Brain Project Blog
Psychology students at Red Land High School complete a project describing a recent brain (or genetic) study that affects behavior. They post their research for bonus points if they are either confident or desperate.

Please feel free to comment or provide feedback!

Jordan B - Different Brain Regions Fuel Attention

Bibliography

“Different Ways Cultures Use the Brian to Solve Visual Perception Tasks”. 14 Jan. 2008. Medical News Today. 18 Feb. 2009. <http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/printerfriendlynews.php?newsid=93773>

Guy, Ian H., et al. Psychology Volume 2: The Brian and the Mind. Connecticut: Grolier Education, 2002

Kasschau, Richard, A. Understanding Psychology. Columbus: Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, 2003

Buschman, Timothy, and Earl Miller. “Neuroscientist Find Different Brain Regions Fuel Attention”. 30 March, 2007. Donna Coveney. 20 Feb. 2009 <http://www.physorg.com/news94482092.html>

 
What makes an Eastern Asian unique from an American citizen? The culture, yes, the physical appearance, yes.  But would one ever think that such differences would exist in something so similar as the brain? Are not all brains the same because we are all humans? John Gabrieli thought, and proved, otherwise. Though our brains are structured the same biologically, how we use them are more different than most would originally assume.
    America is the land of the free and the home of the brave. Having emphasis on the word ‘free’, the results of the experiment, in regards to the perception of objects in correlation to each other, came at no surprise. When the subjects of both Americans and Asians were shown a simple line test (which will be explained in detail later), Americans saw the lines as individually lengthed; as in, not many were the same. The Eastern Asians, however, saw the lines as being mostly the same, showing their affiliation with a life style very different from American culture. (Gabrieli). This perception of everything having equal value or not having equal value is most likely the effect of communism versus democracy.
    When the tests were performed, the brains of Americans and Asians were scanned with an fMRI. The results showed parts of the brain that would usually be working in complex decision-making had lightened up to show more blood flow directed in those key areas (Gabrieli). Unfortunately the article does not state the specific brain regions, but research has been done, and inferred brain sections will be revealed later in the essay. What Gabrieli was able to find with the tests were surprising even to him. Hedden, Gabrieli’s co-worker states, “we were surprised at the magnitude of the difference between the two cultural groups, and also at how widespread the engagement of the brain’s attention system became when making judgments outside the cultural comfort zone” (Hedden). The brains were similar, but worked around the same problem very differently. When the Americans were given an ‘absolute’ decision (a judgment that is culturally normal, or not very radical), blood did not flow to as many parts of the brain as when given a ‘relative’ decision (a judgment that is usually new to the person). This meant that Americans generally found it harder, or more stressful, to make decisions that were new and irregular to them, therefore harder thinking was involved. Eastern Asians had the opposite result, giving more thought to absolute judgments than relative ones.
    Although the study of the multicultural brains is very interesting, the primary article did not provide adequate information. After much searching, a picture was discovered, revealing the results of the fMRI. The areas of the brain that lit up were those in the cerebral cortex (Understanding Psychology 161). In regards to exactly which areas lit up is beyond knowledge at this point. But, what is inferred through research and time (lots of time), is the though of the brain dealing with these judgments, formerly stated, through both the frontal lobe and the parietal lobe. The Parietal lobe is involved in our sensory feelings, and how we react to certain things (Psychology 27). According to Earl Miller, the parietal lobe is in a region of the brain they call the ‘top down’. The ‘top down’ section is used for sensations or instances that are more familiar to the individual. In other words, an absolute judgment (Earl Miller). The Frontal lobe is important in these judgments because of the memory it holds of possibly similar decisions, or other things it could link it to. Other than looking at the lit areas of the fMRI and making this assumption, there isn’t much else to support this theory. Though not the strongest understanding, this is all that was found.
    The process in which John Gabrieli used is an interesting one. A test so simple, one should wonder how a psychologist could get such a specific answer. What was done is this: subjects were shown a stimulus of lines inside of boxes, and were asked to compare one with the other. In some trials, participants were asked to tell whether the lines were the same length, regardless of the boxes that surrounded them, “An absolute judgment of individual objects” (Gabrieli). The other test was asking them to determine the size of the lines in correlation to the boxes. This was a test showing the individual’s perception of the interdependence of objects. Asians leaned more towards the side of interdependent objects, and Americans more towards the individuality of objects (Gabrieli). Almost strikingly obvious, but one probably wouldn’t think the results would be so black and white.
    The process in which Gabrieli used is confusing to the mind, but produces some interesting results. It reflects the cultural backgrounds of both ethnic groups pretty accurately. Though all are human, the minds differed more drastically than one would originally assume. The two were basically opposites when I cam to decision making. Communism versus Democracy, these have both played big roles in shaping each individual’s thought processes.
 

posted 3/19/2009 1:20 PM | comment | view comments (0)

John G -Gender difference

Men and women are observably different even from birth. Even in this modern era scientists and researchers are still finding the minute nuances that vary with gender. There are recent findings proposing that inconsistencies are prevalent in the way human brains react to stress. Dr. Wang performed an experiment with men and women by subjecting them to stressors and recording results gathered by scanning the subjects with fMRI scanners. Dr. Jiongjiong Wang at the University of Pennsylvania proved using fMRI scans that gender affects how one handles performance related stress.
    The individuals subject to the experiment were thirty-two people half of which were men and the other half were women.  Of the female subjects, the average age was 23. Of the male subjects, the average age was 24. All subjects were deemed healthy and previously checked for any mental problems.
    The dependent variable of the experiment prior to conducting it was as wide as can be. The researchers and Dr. Wang were simply noting and comparing the data collected concerning the brains reactions to stressors. This variable was recorded using fMRI machines or functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging scanners. These scanners work on the principle that when neurons fire in one’s brain, oxygen is used in neuronal function so we neurons are firing there is a higher demand for oxygen in that area of the brain. Thus blood with high levels of oxygen in it goes to areas of concentrated neuronal activity more so than areas of less such activity. This is measurable because blood is less magnetic when containing high levels of oxygen and more magnetic when less oxygen is present (hence the word magnetic in the title).
 The data collected was obtained by scanning them before, during, and after a series of mental tasks were performed. These mental tasks were serial numerical counting. First the subjects were scanned prior to being tested. Then they were scanned as they performed a mild stress task of counting backward from 1000 aloud without verbal input or “harassment”. Next, the subjects would perform a deemed, high stress task, by verbally counting backwards by 13 from a four digit number. During this stage of the experiment the subjects were periodically and consistently told to perform faster as well as to restart whenever they made a mistake.
The results showed that while performing the same task, men and women used different parts of their brains. In men, the activity in the right frontal cortex increased with performing the tasks. In women, the activity in the limbic system increased. The area in men that increased activity was associated with “fight or flight“. The area in women that increased activity is associated with emotions.  Further analysis of these findings could suggest that, evolutionarily males need this fight or flight response to better their chances at survival and women need this  tend or befriend response to nurture and care for a community during adversity.
So through the use of fMRI scans, Dr. Jiongjiong Wang and researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have proven that gender affects how an individual’s brain responds to performance related stress. He showed that mens’ brains use an area that is associated with fight or flight. And simultaneously that womens’ brains use an area associated with emotions. Perhaps someday this information will contribute to helping understand mental disorders in men and women respectively.







Work Cited
“Introduction to FMRI.” 2009. FMRIB Centre, University of Oxford. February 23, 2009 <http://www.fmrib.ox.ac.uk/education/fmri/introduction-to-fmri>
“Men are from Mars.”April 1 2008. Science Daily. 2/17/2009 <http://www.sciencedaily.com/videos/2008/0403-men_are_from_mars.htm>
Wang, Jiongjiong.“Gender difference in neural response to psychological stress.” May 24, 2007. Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience. 2/21/2009 <http://scan.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/2/3/227>

posted 3/19/2009 1:18 PM | comment | view comments (0)

Shannon B-

Shannon B






    In previous studies, it has been proven by researchers that music causes the brain to pay attention.  The particular areas of the brain that are activated while staying in tune are the ventral fronto-temporal, and the dorsal fromto-parietal.  The hippocampus is responsible for the memory of music, musical experiences, and contexts (Levitin 265).

    Stanford research team proved that music helps of causes the ventral fronto-temporal and the dorsal fromto-parietal are the areas in the brain that cause the brain to focus.  The technologies that are being used are fMRI and MRI.

    In order to prove their theory, the researchers used separate experiments.  The first experiment included the fMRI.  The fMRI showed what areas of the brain light up during an activity.

    The second experiment used the MRI, which included participants (ten men and eight women) to listen to eight songs.  Researchers were instructed to look at a ten second window previous to a new song and after.

    During these pauses, it was discovered that two neural networks were activated while the music was in pause: the ventral fronto-temporal and the dorsal fromto-parietal.  There was a major difference between the left and the right brain, the right brain more active.  

    The results in this experiment showed that during the process of the music playing and stopping activated the ventral fronto-temporal.  After this part of the brain is moving, the second part, the dorsal fronto-parietal, is aware of the change and starts the memory.  This is the main factor of focus.  If this experiment is tested further more, including the study, perhaps the purpose and mysteries of music will unfold.  Also possibly giving a
solution for ADD!


                          Bibliography





Book:  Levitin, Daniel J. This Is Your Brain on Music.
    New York: Penguin Group (USA) Inc, 2006

Internet:  Laurence O’ Donnell.  “Music and the Brain.” 1999.
        Music Power.  23 Feb. 2009 <http ;|| www.
                cerebromente.org.br|n15|musica.html>.

Article:    Baker, mitzi. “Music Moves Brain to Pay Attention,
         Stanford Study Finds.”  Stanford School of Medicine
         1 Aug. 2007

posted 3/9/2009 2:20 PM | comment | view comments (0)

Rachel K - OCD

    Rachel K

    Obsessive- Compulsive Disorder  is an anxiety disorder that is becoming increasingly more frequent among Americans throughout the years. Affecting the lives ìof approximately 2.2 millionî (Baldridge) U.S. citizens, OCD is interfering with peopleís daily lives. Though many trials have been done to find a treatment, one most recent study has left many with a new way of overcoming the disease; known as DBS, or Deep Brain Stimulation. At 10 different French Universityís Hospital Centers in 2008, Luc Mallet and his colleagues used DBS as a means of successfully finding a possible treatment for OCD that had promising results.

    The disease, known as OCD, is an anxiety order of the brain, preventing people from having a normal life. OCD causes the diagnosed person to have obsessions, compulsions, and all are entirely uncontrollable. Already, ì1-2% of the populationî are affected by the disorder.  It is believed that most cases are caused from ìdisorders in early adulthood, proceeding a stressful event like childbirth or family conflict.î  Many symptoms of the disease involve rituals, ranging from repeating, checking, cleaning, and avoiding a particular thing.  The early psychologist, Freud, has said that the behaviors are ìsexual in natureî, but no single cause for OCD has been found.  Treatments have been tested before, and some work, some donít.  OCD treatment is difficult, however. ì The greatest chance for successful treatment occurs with victims who experience mild symptoms that are usually obsessive but not compulsive.î  That is where Luc Malletís study with DBS becomes helpful  (Baldridge).    

    Deep Brain Stimulation was used in Luc Malletís study for those who had a case of severe OCD, and went through pharmacological and psychological treatments with no results. An advantage to DBS is that the process ìis reversibleÖallowing precise adjustment of the various stimulation parameters to obtain the best result possible.î The process is neurosurgical, implanting two electrodes in the brain that are connected to a stimulator thatís placed underneath the skin.  Each stimulator sends direct electrical currents that will ìmodulate the sequences of abnormal signals emitted by the brain.î  The electrodes contain four different contacts, each one being stimulated separately.  The technique has been used for years in the treatment of Parkinsonís Disease.

    Luc Mallet and his colleaguesí study with DBS and OCD done in 2008 at 10 different French University hospital centers,  involved 16 patients with severe OCD.  The study was done over a course of ten months, each patient being monitored.  Luc Mallet described his trial as that of a ìdouble blind test.î  In each patient, the stimulator would be activated and deactivated, all at inconsistent times. Each was selected randomly. Eight of the patients underwent active stimulation followed by a placebo stimulation. The eight other patients went through the same procedure, only using real stimulation.  Very promising results were delivered from his study.  After surgery and three months of active stimulation, 70% showed response to the treatment and improvement in their condition.  After only three months of active stimulation, not including the neurosurgical surgery, 60% came out with satisfactory results, with very little discomfort of the disease.  ìIn the placebo stimulation, only 12% reached that levelî (Riviere).

    Luc Malletís study with DBS and OCD has helped many find a solution to the hardships diagnosed people go through.  He describes his trial as being successful, saying, ì Among the patients monitored, some experienced a return to a social, affective and professional life that had been abandoned for years because of the illness.î  As a result of his trial, doctors have now found a means of treating those with severe OCD; who were resistant to all other treatments.  Obsessive compulsive disorder, however, is still a frequent problem among Americans, ìone third of patients being resistant to treatmentî, but DBS has shown that there still is a hope to help diminish the stress of  OCD (Riviere).























Bibliography



Baldridge, Iona C. ìObsessive - Compulsive Disorder.î Magillís Medical Guide. 2008. Salem Health.

    Salem Press. Red Land Lib., Lewisberry, PA. 17 Feb 2009 < http://health.salem.press.com >.

Chang, Anne,  Katz, Laurence, Hawley, H. Bradford, eds. Magillís Medical Guide Fourth Revised Edition.     Vol. 4. Pasadena: Salem Press Inc, 2008. 5 Vols.

Riviere, Priscille. ìA Very Encouraging Clinical Trial For Patients With OCD.î Medical News Today. 13     Nov. 2008. 17 Feb. 2009 < http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/129302.php >.

posted 3/9/2009 2:17 PM | comment | view comments (0)

Parrish M - Tourette's Brain Speed

 
 
 
 
Tourette’s Brain Speed
 
 
 
 
Parrish M
2/25/09
 
 
            At  the  Kennedy  Krieger  Institute,  Georgetown  University  researchers  have found  that  people  with  tourette’s   have  quicker,  and  just  as  accurate  answers  to  questions  then  people  without  tourettes.  They  had  kids  with  and  without  tourettes  participate  in  the  test.  “They  tested  their  motor-skill  recall  such  as  using  a tool  like a  hammer,  or  riding  a  bike.” (Gramza).  Which  is  just  seeing  how  fast  the  kids  could  name  objects.
            Tourette’s  Syndrome  is  a  disorder  where  one  can’t  control  their  involuntary  movements,  and  vocalization.  It  is  also  called  tics.  There  are two  types  of  tics, and  they  are  simple or  complex.  “Simple  motor  tics  are  sudden,  brief  repetitive  movements  that  involve  a  limited  number  of  muscle  groups.” (nindsnih.gov).  “Complex  tics  are  distinct,  coordinated  patterns  of  movements  involving  several  muscle  groups.” (nindsnih.gov).  Only  10  to  15  percent  of  people  with  tourette’s  actually  swear  when  their  tourette’s  kick  in.
            Now  that  you  are  more  clear  on  what  tourette’s  is  we  can  move  on.  The  study  was  done  at  the  Kennedy  Krieger  Institute  by  Georgetown  University  researchers.  The  brain  part  that  they  were  studying  was  the  frontal  cortex,  and  the  basal  ganglia.  “The  frontal  cortex  is  located  in  the  front  part  of  the  brain,  and  the  basal  ganglia  is  located  deep  in  the  brain  connected  with  the  frontal  cortex.” (Gramza).  “The  part  of  the  brains  affected  by  tourette’s  is  also  affected  with  obsessive-compulsive  disorder  (OCD) and ADHD.” (Gramza).
            The  frontal  lobe  is  one  of  the  largest  lobes  in  the  brain.  It  gets  information  from  inside  and  outside  the  frontal  lobe,  so  there’s  a lot  of  reasons  why  the  frontal  cortex  could  have  things wrong  with  it.  There  is  reason  to  believe  that  there  are  imbalances  of  dopamine,  and  noradrenalin.  So  I  believe  that  if  you  could  balance  those  two  things  out,  one  might  be  able  to  overcome  tourettes.  Basal  ganglia  is  associated  with  motor  skills,  so  if  one  is  producing  to  much of  this  it  seems  like  there  motor  skills  would  be  faster  than  one  with  less of  it.  But  it  might  have  side affects,  one  could  be  tourette’s.
            The  researchers  at  Georgetown  really  didn’t  get  into  how  they  tested  there  research,  but  from  reading  the  article it  seems  like  they  just  showed  people  pictures,  and  used  a  stopwatch  to  see  how  fast  they  would  answer  it.  There are  some  flaws  to  this  way.  One  is  if  they  had   different  people  using  the  stop  watch,  and  they  could  of  had  different  reaction  times,  so  there  could  of  been  a  couple  millisecond  differences.  Or  even  the  person  that  was  writing  the  information  down  could  of  even  accidently  written  it  down.
            I  do  believe  that  people  with  tourette’s  actually  do  have  faster  responses  to  questions  then  people  without  tourette’s.  The  reason  I believe  that  is  because  they  use  their  involuntary  vocalization.  Most  people  know  the  answers  to  things  right  away  but  they  think  about  it  so  they  don’t  get  the  question  wrong.  So  maybe  if  people  without  tourette’s  answered  with  their  involuntary  thoughts,  they  would  answer  questions  just  as  fast.
 
Gramza, Joyce. “Tourette’s Brain Speed”. September 25, 2007. Sciencecentral.
            February 17, 2009 http://www.sciencecentral.com <http://www.sciencecentral.com/>
Minkoff, Eli C. “Tics.” Magill’s Medical Guide. 2008. Salem Health. Salem Press. Red Land High             
            School Lib., Lewisberry, PA. 17 Feb. 2009 http://health.salem.press.com <http://health.salem.press.com/> .
“NINDS Tourette Syndrome”. July 15, 2008. February 17, 2009 http://www.ninds.nih.gov <http://www.ninds.nih.gov/> 

posted 3/9/2009 2:16 PM | comment | view comments (0)

Nora O. - Stress

Nora O
Brain Project
2-25-09
    For many people stress is a well known feeling. Some studies say that up to 75% of the population suffer from stress at least every other week. (?stress statistic?)
The Milliken Hatch Laboratory at the Rockefeller University found that stress affects different circuits in the brain, for example the prefrontal cortex, which disrupts thinking, by taking fMRI scans.
    Stress are a person's feelings as response to worrying event - psychological and physical. Stress can be caused by different events that make a person feel threatened or worried such as a lot of work or problems with family and friends. People may react differently to stress although the physical responses are the same. The adrenal glands start to produce adrenaline which prepares the body for a fight-or-flight situation by causing heartbeat and breathing to go faster which in addition to an increased blood sugar concentration enables the body to work harder. (Kasschau 413) Earlier studies proved that stress affects the brain in various ways. Stress deactivates the limbic system, especially the hypothalamus, decreases activity in the frontal lobe while it increases activity in orbitofrontal regions. All these areas are involved in memory and emotional activities.(Dedovic 6) The researchers of the Harold and Margaret Milliken Hatch Laboratory worked with two groups of young men. One group consisted of twenty medical students who were preparing for their exams and where therefore stressed, in the other group  were healthy young volunteers who were relaxed.
    ?Thinking is the process of changing and reorganizing the information stored in memory to create new or transformed information? (Kasschau 296) The thinking processes that were tested in this experiment were response-reversal and attention-shifting. The ability to focus on something is essential to achieve good results in what ever one is doing but it is also important to be able to shift ones focus quickly, for example to shift ones attention between a cellphone and the road one is driving on. So attention shifting is not only practical but essential to survive. ?A response-reversal requires to override ones habitual first reflex.? (?stress disrupts thinking?)
    The researchers let both groups absolve a series of attention shifting and response-reversal tasks. They had to look at two disks, a green one and a red one, that moved in opposite directions. They had to choose one of them according to the commands given by the researchers. In a series of trials they had to reverse their choice from moving to color and back or they had to skip to the other disc in the some category. The participants were lying in a fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) which is a machine that allows researchers to see which parts of the brain are active while certain activities are absolved. fMRIs show neural activity in the brain by measuring the ratio of oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobins which is affected by the blood flow; the areas that have a higher neuron activity have a higher blood flow which leads to more oxygenated hemoglobins. Oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobins have different magnetic charge which allows the fMRI to detect the areas that have a higher neuron activity. (Stark)
    The experiment showed that the stressed group had more problems with the attention-shift tasks but was unaffected by the stress regarding the response-reversal ability . The fMRI showed that the prefrontal cortex slowed the performance in attention-shifting. The fMRI also showed that the orbital frontal  cortex which is involved in response-reversal actually performed better.
    The fMRI pictures taken in this experiment show that stress can affect thinking because it decreases the function of the prefrontal cortex which explains the attention-shift problems stress people have. The next step could be to find out what leads to the affects of stress in the brain so on can finde ways to prevent it.  




Bibliography

?How To Stop Yourself Becoming Another Stress Statistic?. 22 Feb. 2009.     <http://www.howtofindhappines.com>
?Stress Disorders Affect Brain Processing?. 4 Dec. 2008. Psychcentral. 17 Feb. 2009
    <http://psychcentral.com>
?Stress Disrupts Thinking but Brain is Resilient?. 28 Jan. 2009. Psychcentral. 17 Feb. 2009         <http://psychcentral.com>
Dawson, Dawn P. Magill's Medical Guide. Vol. 4. Pasadena: Salem Press, 2008
Dedovic, Katarina. ?What Stress Does to Your Brain: A Review of Neuroimaging Studies?. Canadian     Journal of Psychiatry Jan. 2009: 6-15. Power Library Consumer Health Complete. EBSCO. Red     Land High School Lib., Lewisberry, PA. 17 Feb. 2009 <http://webebscohost.com>
Kasschau, Richard A. Understanding Psychology. Columbus: Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, 2003.
Stark, Craig E. L. ?functional magnetic resonance imaging?. McGraw-Kill.  Red     Land High School     Lib., Lewisberry, PA. 21 Feb. 2009 <http://www.accessciende.com>

Pictures:
?Crazy Stress?. <www.kf6nvr.net>

?fMRI?. <www.neurophilosophy.wordpress.com>

 ?Brain fMRI image?. <www.blogs.nyu.edu >

 
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posted 3/4/2009 2:43 PM | comment | view comments (0)

Nico D. - Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimerís has been a growing illness in the United States for the elderly generation and scientists all over the country are doing research to try and find a cure for  Alzheimerís.  About 13 percent of the United States population over the age of 65 is affected by Alzheimerís disease, and about 42 percent of those over age 85 are believed to have the disease (Encarta 1). The recent research done by many neurologists shows that it is the small clusters of Amyloid Beta that causes brain damage. Donna Winlock, at Duke University, proved that a vaccine of nitric oxide synapse 2 (NOS2)  can prevent Alzheimerís by attacking Amyloid Beta clusters in the brain.

    Alzheimerís is a disease that causes brain damage causing those with the disease to lose their memory and effects motor schools. Three pathologies must be present in the brain for a definitive diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, Amyloid plaques composed of aggregates of Amyloid beta peptides; neurofibrillary tangles composed of hyperphosphorylated, aggregated tau; and neuron loss (Wilcock et al.1). These three things will continuously cause the neurotransmitters to die to the point where they can not perform daily functions anymore.  After a long period of time with the disease the brain shrinks from losing so many neurons and from the brain damage the plaque cause. People do not normally die from Alzheimerís their brains and bodyís eventually become to weak and they develop other disorders or diseases and they eventually cause death.

    Amyloid beta plaque affect the hippocampus, temporal, and parietal regions of the cerebral cortex (Lillrank 49).  The build up of this plaque causes a build up of toxins in the brain that eventually lead to memory loss over time. This widespread neuron degeneration leaves gaps in the brainís messaging network that may interfere with communication between cells, causing some of the symptoms of Alzheimerís disease (Encarta 1). Many scientists have been debating recently about which is worse large clusters or small of Amyloid beta but one thing they are sure of is that it is present in the brain of people with Alzheimerís.  

    Dr. Wilcock has been experimenting on mice on trying to reduce the amount of Amyloid bet that is in the brain by injecting them with a vaccine. ìWe crossed the APPSwDI transgenic mouse, which develops amyloid ? (A?)-protein deposits only, with a nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS2) knock-out mouse, which develops no AD-like pathology. APPSwDI/NOS2ñ/ñ mice displayed impaired spatial memory compared with the APPSwDI mice, yet they have unaltered levels of A?î (Wilcock et al.1).  The injection of this vaccine was meant to keep the mice from producing Amyloid beta which would reduce the amount of damage that is done to the brain. The mice were tested for spatial memory at 52ñ56 weeks of age using two different behavioral assays that have been shown previously to detect spatial learning and memory deficits in APP transgenic mice (Wilcock et al.1).  The mice were sent through two different mazes each one testing a different part of their memory and the ones who received the vaccine either made one or less errors when the control group made at least two errors.

    This research can be very important to finding the cure for this terrible disease in the future because I know the effects it can have on a person and their loved ones. Dr. Wilcock checked every part of the brain in the mice after she performed the experiment and she found that the mice had barely any damage from the Amyloid beta plaque. ìInterestingly, we observed a statistically significant 20% reduction in NPY neurons in the subiculum of the APPSwDI, although the level of neuronal loss remained significantly greater than the NPY neuronal loss in the APPSwDI/NOS2ñ/ñ miceî (Wilcock et al 1).

Meaning that the levels of NPY were twenty percent lower in variable group than the control. This means that her vaccine was not completely successful in protecting the brains neurons but it did reduce the amount of damage done by the Amyloid plaque. Her research is definitely in the right track and hopefully in the near future a scientist can come up with a cure for the disease.







Bibliography







Lillrank, Sonja M. Alzheimer's Disease and other Dementias. New York, Ny: Infobase,     2007.



Not Listed, . "Alzheimer's Disease." Encarta 20 Feb. 2009     <http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761577591/Alzheimer%E2%80%99s_Dis    ease.html>.



Wilcock , Donna M., et al. "Progression of Amyloid Pathology to Alzheimer's Disease     Pathology in an Amyloid Precursor Protein Transgenic Mouse Model by Removal     of Nitric Oxide Synthase 2." The Journal of Neuroscience (February 13, 2008):     Neurobiology of Disease. The Journal of Neuroscience . 20 Feb. 2009     <http://www.jneurosci.org/cgi/content/full/28/7/1537?maxtoshow=&HITS=10&h    its=10&RESULTFORMAT=1&author1=wilcock%2C+donna&andorexacttitle=a    nd&andorexacttitleabs=and&andorexactfulltext=and&searchid=1&FIRSTINDEX    =0&sortspec=relevance&resourcetype=HWCIT>.

posted 3/4/2009 2:41 PM | comment | view comments (0)

Michelle S.- Erasing Memories

Michelle S
Brain Project
2/25/2009
Erasing Memories
    Memories can be wonderful things to reminisce upon, but what happens when you are haunted by bad memories? It is now possible to erase such memories (Callaway). It’s quite simple actually. One injection into the brain is all that is needed. When the drug is injected, it blocks a molecule called PKM zeta. This molecule appears to be linked to the ability to preserve memories. At Weizmann Institute of Science, in Israel, Todd Sacktor proved that blocking a molecule called PKM zeta causes long term memory loss by injecting an experimental drug into the brain (Reed).
    It appears to be evident that the molecule PKM zeta is related to retaining memories. PKM zeta is the protein kinase M zeta and is a different form of the molecule PKC. This molecule is essential for a short-term memory to be able to be stored in the hippocampus (Landau). When the drug is injecting, clogging the PKM zeta molecule, the number of receptors being used decreases. When the number of receptors decreases, the memories begin to disappear (Reed).
    Once the PKM zeta molecule is blocked, a person’s long-term memory begins to dissolve away. Long-term memory is formed in the limbic system but stays there only a few months, a few years at the longest (Yount 30). These long-term memories are able to remain in the brain due to the strengthening of the synapses connecting neurons (Thomson). Researchers discovered that long after injecting the experimental drug into the recipients, their memory still had not returned (Reed).
    The patients on the receiving end of this experimental drug were rats. The drug that was injected into the brains of these rats was called “ZIP.” The rats were trained to avoid drinks that had a certain smell that the rats learned to link with a stomach ache. Weeks after training, “ZIP” was injected into the rat’s tiny brains. Miraculously, just a few minutes prior to the injection, the rats forgot all about the drink causing them pain (Reed).
    Neurologist Todd Sacktor has discovered a way to completely erase long term memories with just a simple injection into the brain. The drug was tested on common, everyday rats and was proven to be a success. Researchers would like to further the study to discover a way to make memory elimination possible in humans. For this to take place, the drug must be modified quite a bit. “ZIP” would need to be tested much more in depth before the possibility of human testing will take place (Reed).
 

Bibliography
Callaway, Ewen. “’Eternal Sunshine’ drug selectively erases memories.” New Scientist. 23 Oct.
2008. Reed Business Information. 17 Feb. 2009 http://www.newscientist.com
Landau, Elizabeth. “How memories form, fade, and persist over time.” 2008. CNN. 18 Feb. 2009
    http://cnn.site.printthis.clickability.com
Reed, Sunita. “Erasing Memories.” 17 Feb. 2009. ScienCentral Archive. 17 Feb. 2009
    http://www.sciencentral.com
Thomson, Elizabeth A. “Team discovers memory formation mechanism.” 11 Feb. 2004. News
    Office. 23 Feb. 2009 http://web.mit.edu/
Yount, Lisa. Memory. San Diego: Lucent Books, Inc. 1996.
   
 

posted 3/4/2009 2:40 PM | comment | view comments (0)

Matt B. - Schizophrenia

George Milton is a fine man and should not be found guilty under the law for First Degree Murder of Lennie Smalls.  George Milton shows many qualities that prove him his innocence.  His love for Lennie Smalls is apparent and he always wanted the utmost best for him.  What George did was not in anger or hatred, but in selfless love, and defense.  According to California law, the definition of murder is the unlawful killing of a human being, or a fetus, with malice intent.  What George did he didn’t have forethought to or any malice intent.  George knew that Lennie was an innocent man that had a disability causing many faults.  George had to find Lennie before anything horrible happened, and before anyone else got injured.
    Firstly, Curley had every intention to kill Lennie himself.  He stated that when he finds Lennie he would shoot him in the belly.  In defense to George, he knew that Lennie would suffer a horrible, brutal death if Curley got a hold of Lennie.  In the California penal code, section 189.5 (a) states that Upon a trial for murder, the commission of the homicide by the defendant being proved, the burden of proving circumstances of mitigation, or that justify or excuse it, devolves upon the defendant, unless the proof on the part of the prosecution tends to show that the crime committed only amounts to manslaughter, or that the defendant was justifiable or excusable.  George’s intent was excusable because he didn’t have malice forethought.  The California Penal Code, Section 197 (3), it states that homicide is excusable when committed in lawful defense of such person, or a family member.  Lennie had stolen a gun and it is evident that George had to properly defend himself.  Do not let Lennie’s Last name, Smalls, deceive you.  Lennie was much stronger than George, and even more dangerous with a firearm.
    Secondly, Lennie had a serious mental disability, though not officially diagnosed.  Lennie relied on George often and it was difficult for him to make his own decisions.  When the unfortunate incident occurred with Curley’s wife, Lennie didn’t know what to do without George by his side.  George knew that this wouldn’t be the last incident or crime Lennie would commit, and he had to find Lennie before the others did.  He knew that Lennie would only cause more problems as in the past.  Lennie Small’s condition, possibly caused by his childhood, was incurable.  Lennie’s weakness was of soft materials.  All he ever wanted to do was stroke, pet, and hold soft things such as rabbits and mice.  He never understood the consequences of his actions other than the fact that he wouldn’t get to look after animals anymore, and that George would be upset.  Lennie was not safe for society, and rather than locking him up or hurting him, George took the necessary action to save Lennie from his own fate.
    
    In conclusion, George Milton should be found innocent for on terms of excusable homicide. George knew every intention Curley had and took the right action.  What George did for Lennie was out of love and compassion.  George Milton is a good man, and had a big heart to take in Lennie for all those years.  Lennie would have only caused more harm to people (unknowingly) and George finally pulled the plug.  It would be unlawful to charge George with murder, especially with the compassion he put out. 


 Work Sited page

(Marquardt)
Marquardt, Meg. “New studies illuminate roots of schizophrenia.” 5 Feb 2009.
    Science News Examiner. 13 Feb. 2009 <http://www.examiner.com/x-1242-
    science-news-examiner>

(Decoding)
“Decoding Funny Faces to Detect Disease” 4 Feb 2009. American Friends of Tel Aviv
University. 17 Feb. 2009 <http://www.aftau.org/site/ News2?page= newsarticle&id=8631>



(Nauert)
Nauert, Rick. “Brain Imaging Can Diagnose Early Schizophrenia.”       
    5 Feb 2009. Psych Central. 17 Feb. 2009
    <http://psychcentral.com/news/2009/02/05>

(Facial Expressions)
“Facial Expressions could help identify mental illness before it      
    starts” 5 Feb 2009. The Indian. 17 Feb. 2009
    http://www.theindian.com/newsportal/health/

(Schizophrenia)
Schizophrenia. NIH Publicatoin, 2007.






 

posted 3/4/2009 2:38 PM | comment | view comments (0)

Liz O. - Stress

    Males and females are different in many aspects and reaction to stress is no different, according to a study conducted by Dr. Jiongjiong Wang. Wang and other researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have concluded that different parts of male and female brains are activated when exposed to stress with the use of fMRI technology (Men).
    Stress can be defined as “a person’s physical and mental reaction to his or her inability to cope with a certain tense event or situation” (Kasschau 413). In reaction to stress, the endocrine system begins to excrete hormones and neurotransmitters begin to fire at a faster-than-normal pace to increase the body’s ability to perform and cope with a situation (Hollar 2594). Although this may not sound too bad, this reaction can cause mental and emotional responses which can wear a person down, cause one to not be his or her “self,” or lead to burn out (Kasschau 422).
    In the study, males were found to exhibit more activity in the right prefrontal cortex which controls one’s fight-or-flight reaction (Men), a natural response to a stimuli thought of as potentially dangerous that makes a person confront or escape from the danger. This response puts one’s body in a sort of superhuman state, however; if in this state for an extended period of time an individual may be unable to think or concentrate properly or experience fatigue (Kasschau 422-423). The results of the study are conclusive because they are parallel with typical male reactions to stress (Recognizing).
    Females, however, react much differently to stress than males. There was more reported activity in the limbic system, which controls the emotional aspect of human existence (Men). Females also exhibited the tend-and-befriend response, which involves child care and forming a supportive social network, to cope with stress over fight-or-flight (Hollar 2594). However, the involvement of the limbic system caused females to often react with anger, anxiety, or fear in response to stress (Kasschau 422). The result for females was conclusive because it also reinforces common observation (Frequently).
    Dr. Wang and the other researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) technology for this particular study. This technology allows researchers to directly observe brain functions such as chemical activity and blood flow through video instead of still pictures like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (Men). The fMRI has been used in many studies especially in identifying the functions of certain areas of the brain (Kasschau 168).
    Males and females react differently to stress both outwardly and within the brain; males are more inclined to suffer from cognitive effects whereas females experience more emotional repercussions. Dr. Wang and his researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have concluded this because of their observation and research on stress with fMRI technology. Although this discovery may not seem very significant, it may allow a window for future studies to discover better treatments or even cures for mood disorders, such as depression (Men).

Works Cited
“Frequently Asked Questions: Stress and Your Health.” 1 August 2005. Office of Women’s Health. 24 February 2009 <http://www.womenshealth.gov.faq/stress-your-health.cfm>.
Hollar, David Watson. “Stress.” Magill’s Medical Guide. 2008. Salem Health. Salem Press. Red Land High School Lib., Lewisberry, PA. 18 Feb. 2009 <http://health.salem.press.com>.
Kasschau, Richard A., Understanding Psychology. New York: Glenco/McGraw-Hill, 2003.
“Men Are From Mars; Neuroscientists Find That Men And Women Respond Differently To Stress.” 1 April 2008. Science Daily. 19 Feb. 2009 <http://www.sciencedaily.com/videos/2008/0403-men_are_from_mars.htm>.
“Recognizing Stress for Men.” 26 Aug. 2006. About.com. 24 Feb. 2009 <http://menshealth.about.com/od/mentalhealth/a/Stress_Symptoms.htm>.

posted 3/4/2009 2:37 PM | comment | view comments (0)

Lindsay K.- Autism

Lindsay K
                                        2/22/09

Stephen Dager, MD, at the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle used

MRI scans to prove that gray matter in the brains of autistic kids differs from that in the

brains of “normal kids.”

    Autism is “a pervasive developmental disorder of children characterized by

impaired communication excessive rigidity and emotional disorder”(Autism N.D.).   

Stephen Dager used MRIs to see how fast or slow water was moving in brain cells of kids

with autism, a process called transverse relaxation. This process measured gray matter

and white matter in their brains.  Dager found that the brain of an autistic kid is “pieced

together” differently then the brain of a child with normal

development. (American Academy, 1).  The amount gray matter in their brains is not

high enough.  Gray matter is basically the cortex.  The cortex is responsible for: thought,

memory, sensation and the Somatic nervous system (SNS).  (Rudy, Lisa 1).   If there is

not enough gray matter the person looses some control over these things.  The brains of

autistic kids also tend to be larger than those who went through normal development.  

According to Dr. Nancy Minshew of the University of Pittsburg often the autistic persons

“brain develops to quickly beginning at about 12 months…with autism there’s

accelerated growth at the wrong time, and that creates havoc.” (Rudy, Lisa 1).  There are

three major characteristics of people with autism, behavioral patterns, and trouble with

interacting with people and communicating.

     Someone who has behavioral patterns may do certain routines everyday like,

counting the number of clothes that they have on everyday or twisting the key in the lock

to their front door five times before he/ she goes to work.  He/ she may also show

                                    Lindsay Kreider

repetitive movements like bouncing their knee or tapping on a desk. (Chorlton, 72).  
       
    The social issues most common among people with autism are having no friends

or showing no eye contact to anyone.  Conversations are usually hard for people with

autism because sometimes they don’t realize that there has to be two people talking in

order for there to be a conversation.  If they talk to much people leave and if they talk to

little or not at all there is no conversation. (Chorlton, 72).

    Some communication issues might include, as previously stated, having a hard

time holding a conversation.  Some autistic kids just cannot speak, they never developed

the ability. (Chorlton, 72).

    All of these complications are controlled by the cortex or gray matter. If the gray

matter loosens its control on the SNS then the person may bounce his/ her knee or tap

their fingers on the table.  If a thought isn’t fully processed then the person may say

something really hurtful towards someone or inappropriate. (Rudy, Lisa, 1). 

     Without the cortex fully there, there is no way of telling what could happen.

   
Works Cited

American Academy of Neurology (2006, August 27). Researchers Discover Brain <<<<<<Abnormality in Kids With Autism. Science Daily. Retrieved February 18, 2009, <<<<<<from <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/08/060826171847.htm>

“Autism.” (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Retrieved February 24, 2009, from <<<<<<Dictionary.com website: <http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/autism>

Chorlton, Windsor., et al.,eds. Abnormal Psychology. Danbury, Conneticut: Grolier <<<>>><Educational Sherman Turnpike, 2002.

Rudy, Lisa Joe. “Autism and the Brain.” 21 Aug. 2007. About.com. 20 Feb. 2009   <<<<><<http://autism.about.com/od/causesofautism/a/AutismBrain.htm>

 

posted 3/4/2009 2:35 PM | comment | view comments (0)

Kyle D-

Kyle D

I am going to be writing about the process about how they were able to get the results they did with this experiment. They were trying to get a fat man to lose weight through deep brain stimulation. A Canadian researcher named Professor Andres Lozano leads a group of other Canadian researchers and found that deep brain stimulation can improve memory through sticking electrodes into the brain and shocking them in the correct space.
The first variable in this study is the deep brain stimulation. Deep brain stimulation is when the doctors open up the scalp and stick electrical things in the brain and stock the brain. They only do this in the area that it is needed in so it doe not harm and other parts of the brain. They stick the electrodes in the limbic system that controls the appetite. They did this to get this man to not eat as much and get his appetite down. Deep brain Stimulation is still experimental right now and doctors are unsure about how it will affect people.
The second variable is the memory and how it was affected by the deep brain stimulation. Memory is when the brain can with hold something for a certain amount of time. It can either hold memories for an extended amount of time or a short amount of time. The memory for someone is located in the limbic system. The limbic system is a network of ring shaped structures in the center of the brains neocortex that controls a wide range of the things in the body.  “Memory and Memory Disorders” The memory was affected greatly by these stimulations due to the fact that they were so near the hippocampus that it made the persons memory a lot better.
The procedure for these experiments was deep brain stimulation. In this experiment they were trying to get a fat person to stop eating so much and start to lose weight since he wasn’t willing to try any drastic procedures. In the experiment they had to open up his scalp to expose the brain tissue. And after they opened the scalp up they found the area of the brain that controls the hypothalamus and started to shock his brain into thinking he wasn’t as hungry. But after they were done with these experiments they did some memory tests on him and realized that he did better in the test after the thing then when he did them before hand. They were very happy with their findings and now believe that there may be a link between the two parts of the brain.
In conclusion a group of scientists from Canada did an experiment on a fat to try to get them skinnier and found that this man memory had increased through this process of deep brain stimulation. And I did the research on what they used and I believe that it makes perfect sense that the two may be linked tighter in some way. The next step for the researchers is to test it out on other patients that have memory problems.






Turkington, Carol. "Memory and Meory Disorders." Memory and Memory Disorders. New York, NY: Facts on File Inc., 2001.

"Deep stimulation boosts memory." BBC News 1 Jan. BBc news. BBC news. 13 Feb. 2009 .

"Deep brain stimulation." wikipedia. 9 Feb. 2009. wikipedia. 13 Feb. 2009 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deep_brain_stimulation>.

posted 3/4/2009 2:33 PM | comment | view comments (0)

Korey W. - Music and the Brain

Korey W  block 3

Music and the Brain

    A study done by researchers have shown changes in brain activity from visual to hearing while trying to concentrating on toned music. Researchers from Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center and University of North Carolina have recently conducted a study which shows that listening to music makes the brain less active in the visual areas by using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI). (Brain)

    “This is like closing your eyes to listen to music.” (Dr. Jonathon Burdette) This was said by one of the researchers that were involved in the study. This proved to be true throughout the study. The study consisted of 40 participants, 20 musicians and 20 non-musicians and in which there were major shifts in brain activity. During harder, longer, and more complex sessions the non-musicians would seem to show less brain activity in the visual area then the musicians would because their ears were toned to hearing music of that kind. The way the fMRI would work is that the differences in brain activity would show blood flow to other areas of the of the brain. This shows the transition of the focus from the vision areas to the listening areas. (Brain + Shulman)

    The participants, all aged between 28 and 40, were asked to listen to two or more different tones played right after another with less than a second between them. This was observed by the researchers while the participants were inside the fMRI scanners. Then the researchers would ask the participants which tone was played first, as they observed the brain activity. The tones were made a little harder for the musicians to even out the playing field, because of their musical backgrounds. As the sessions got harder the non-musicians struggled to concentration resulting in less and less brain activity in the vision areas.(Brain)

    In proving that music makes the brain less active in the visual areas, researchers have learned more about how the brain works. The equipment used was a big help other wise this would not have been possible and we would not know the information that we do now about the human brain. Overall we really do “close our eyes” to hear music, if we are referring to the brain. :)




 

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~Cromie, William J. “Music on the Brain.” 22 March 2004. Gazette Staff. 17 February 2009         <http://www.hno.harvard.edu/gazette/2001/03.22/04-music.html>. <http://www.hno.harvard.edu/gazette/2001/03.22/04-music.html>



~Shulman, Matthew. “Music as Medicine for the Brain.” 17 July 2008. 18 February 2009             < http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/brain-and-behavior/2008>



~ “Brain 'closes eyes' to hear music”18 February 2009                                                             <http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/mpapps/pagetools/print/news.bbc.co.uk/ <http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/mpapps/pagetools/print/news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/heath/7074695.stm> >
 

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posted 3/4/2009 2:32 PM | comment | view comments (0)

Kiersten K.- ADHD

 Kiersten K
    Many people wonder why those with ADHD act the way they do and why they

say what they do. Some wonder whether they will act the way they do for the rest of their

lives. Philip Shaw and his team at “National Institute of Mental Health” (NIMH) proved

through MRI brain scans that symptoms of ADHD could be caused by their

underdeveloped brains.  

What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?

    ADHD is one of the most common mental disorders that develop in children and

is also difficult to treat effectively. In order to diagnose a child with ADHD the child

must show symptoms of the disease for at least six months. Some symptoms of the

disease includes hyperactivity, impulsivity and a short attention span (Piotrowski 106).

Those with ADHD find it difficult to cope with their surroundings and it is difficult for

them to make friends. They also have a tendency to blurt things out. It is usually strange

facts that has absolutely nothing to do with the subject. They also have a difficult time

paying attention and become bored quickly. Some also, like my brother become so

entranced by what they are doing (such as puzzles and models) that they can’t put it

down until it is finished. ADHD also tends to occur more in boys than in girls. Boys with

ADHD tend to be more aggressive and anti-social, and girls tend to show more

inattentive symptoms (Piotrowski 107).
    
    Shaw and his team at NIMH found that the brain of an ADHD develops the exact

same way as a normal brain, only considerably slower. In a 15-year study Shaw and his

team took over “800 MRI brain scans of 450 kids, half of whom had ADHD”(Gramza).

(MRI stands for Magnetic resonance imaging. MRI’s basically take still shots of the

brain.) Using the same kids in the scans Shaw was able to see that ADHD was not all that

different from the normal from the normal brain.  Shaw stated, “…basic brain biology is

intact, all that’s different is the timing of it” (Gramza). He says that the delay could be as

much as 5 years. He suggests in the article that the person simply “out grows the

disorder” by early adulthood (Granza).

Researchers with NIMH found that the hippocampus (which deals with memory)

was larger particularly in those with less symptoms. They also found that the amygdala

(which deals with emotions) was smaller. They also found damaged connections between

the amygdala and the frontal cortex. If this wasn’t screwed up then the ADHD kid would

have more impulse control and would also give them “goal-directed behaviors”(Brain

Changes). And according to “ADHD Brain Delay” researchers were able to measure the

thickness of this gray matter and found that the cortex started out thin then thickened and

thinned out again from childhood into adolescence (Hence the phrase “thick headed”)

(Gramza). This article then in turn suggests that this process is slowed down or even

stopped in some cases causing that ADHD.  There are medications for ADHD, which do

have some side effects. I know from personal experience that some medications suck the

soul right out of the individual. Sometimes it is smarter not to give the child medication.

    In Conclusion the article stated that there was a link between ADHD symptoms

can be caused by there underdeveloped brains. Researchers like Shaw are still looking for

a way to help those with ADHD catch up brain wise.











Bibliographies

Piotrowski, Nancy A. ed. Psychology Basics Pasadena: Salem Press, 2005.



Gramza, Joyce. “ADHD Brain Delay”. 12 November 2007. ScienCentral, Inc. 17

February 2009

http://www.sciencentral.com/articles/view.php3?type=article&article_id=21839021.



“Brain Changes Mirror Symptoms in ADHD”. 19 July 2006. National Institute of Mental

    Health. 24 February 2009 http://www.nimh.nih.gov. 
 

posted 3/4/2009 2:28 PM | comment | view comments (0)

Kelsey P.- Restless Legs Syndrome

Restless Legs Syndrome
     Restless legs syndrome, "a neurologic disorder characterized by unpleasant sensations in the legs and an irresistible urge to move them" (Badash). The ones who suffer from restless legs syndrome often is deprived of sleep, because one is often up for hours in the middle of the night with terrible twitches or pains in one's leg. Restless legs syndrome has yet to have a treatment, although there are some medicines or home remedies to help decrease the pain. There is no certain reason or cause for restless legs syndrome, but some have theories or leads on cases. Christopher Earley, a neurologist at Johns Hopkins University checked spinal fluid and found that some people with restless legs syndrome had lower iron levels.
     Restless legs syndrome is found in about 10-15% of Americans. "Some studies show that RLS is more common among elderly people" (Olendorf et al. 2480). Symptoms can start at any age. In a mild case of RLS, which most people experience, they will feel a twitching, creepy, crawly feel in their legs, mostly at the end of the day. "85% of RLS patients either have difficulty falling asleep or wake several times during the night" (Olendorf et al. 2480). Restless legs syndrome may go away on its own for a few months, but most always returns (NINDS). A doctor will perform blood tests, monitor leg activity during sleep, and study the leg and nerves in the leg (Badash). Since there is no cure for restless legs yet, the treatments are targeted at reducing pain. The technology to help reduce pain is basic. For most people, they have their doctor take their blood and check iron levels. If one were to have low iron, one's doctor would give them iron supplements to help. There are not many things a doctor can do for restless legs; he or she may prescribe a person medicine depending on one's condition. The most common medicines are benzodiazepines, they help reduce the amount of time one is awake at night. The most common benzodiazepine prescribed is clonazepam, these are for mild cases of RLS. Another is Levodopa, it supplies the chemical dopamine back to the brain. A doctor will prescribe Levodopa if a person has a moderate or severe condition. Although the drug Levodopa can make symptoms worse during the day time, if it happens the doctor will take one off of it for a few days (Olendorf et al. 2481). Some people help their symptoms with home remedies such as; "massage the legs, use heat or ice, take a hot bath, stop or reduce tobacco or alcohol use, cut out caffeine, develop a regular exercise program, or improve their diet" (Badash).
     Earley thinks that restless legs syndrome may have "something to do with low levels of iron in the brain. His group has measured iron in the spinal fluid of people with RLS and found these patients tended to have reduced iron levels" (Kestenbaum). Iron is stored in the body as ferritin, studies show that there is a similarity between restless legs syndrome and low levels of ferritin in the body. The use of an iron supplement has helped reduce pain caused by RLS. It is seen that a lot of the older population suffers from restless legs syndrome. The studies show that older people have lower iron levels. "A report on RLS released in June of 2003 from a joint study by Penn State and Johns Hopkins found that not enough iron was getting to the cells of the mid-brain of people who suffer from the symptoms of restless legs" (ezinearticles). While the researchers found that the iron is not making it to the brain because a receptor is either not present or not functioning. People with RLS, their brain is misfiring signals which cause the symptoms to show. (ezinearticles) The research shows that "those with restless legs may not be iron deficient; it may just be that not enough iron is actually making it into the brain cells" (ezinearticles).
     In conclusion restless legs syndrome is a painful neurological disorder. There is no definite cause of restless legs, but there are researchers and scientists working on it. The treatment is not found, but there are medicines and procedures to help reduce the pain and sleep the night through. Many tests have been done by many different researchers such as Earley and they all found that low iron is a factor in RLS for some people, especially in the older population. The next step to maybe finding a cure is to tell why iron has a role in restless legs. If they find out why and do more tests, they should be able to find a cure someday so people can get a goodnight sleep every night.


Works Cited
Badash, Michelle. "Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)." Power Library Consumer Health Complete.
     1 March 2008.EBSCO. Red Land High School Lib., Lewisberry, PA. 17 Feb. 2009 <
     http://web.ebscohost.com>

Bicknell, Andrew "Restless Leg Treatment and Iron Deficiency." 19 July 2007. 22 Feb. 2009
     <http:// EzineArticles. com/?Restless-Leg-Treatment-and-Iron-Deficiency&id=652679>

Kestenbaum, David. "When Brain Shuts Down, Legs Kick into Overdrive." 17 Feb 2009. Your    
        Health. 17 Feb.2009.<http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?Id=7815991>

"NINDS Restless Legs Syndrome Information Page." 11 Dec. 2007. 19 Feb 2009.
     <http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/restless_legs/restless_legs.htm>

Olendorf, Donna, et al. eds. The Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine Volume 4. MI: Gale Research,
     1999.

posted 3/4/2009 2:24 PM | comment | view comments (0)

Carrie G.- Does Pleasure Get Old?

Does Pleasure Get Old?



    There are plenty of differences between old and young people. So in turn there could be many different reasons of why old people have less of a go getting attitude. For a while we thought it was just the amount of energy that made older people less risk taking but new studies show that Karen Burman of the National Institute of Mental Health found through a variety of scanning technology that dopamine receptors change with age, which may explain with old age people get less of a rush in life.



    Dopamine is the main neurotransmitter in the human brainís reward circuit or the ìventral segmental area in the midbrainî (Tabitha M. Powledge). It is released in the hypothalamus located in the limbic system. Dopamine produces feelings of pleasure, attachment, and of unselfish concern and reward. As humans age the path of the circuits change so that the dopamine affects them in a different way. One of the reasons they change is because with Parkinsonís disease, dopamine is destroyed



    The way Burman found out that the reward circuits changed was by using an MRI machine. The MRI machine works in a very advanced way. The way it works is by using a magnetic field to push the bodyís atoms, making the nuclei into a different position. As they move back into place radio waves are sent out and the machine picks up on these waves and creates a picture on the computer. The pictures are based on location of the signals. The technique is often used for studying the brain and spinal chord. Within the techniques to find tumors the MRI is the best since it has such a detailed picture. The FMRI works just like a normal MRI only the FMRI gradually increases in strength but it does not measure electrical activity of the neurons directly


    Over all the study may not have been what they expected but it did show results and Karen Burman of NIMH made a discovery. Old people have less of a go getting attitude because the routes for the pleasure circuits not because old people have less energy than young people.

Tabitha M. Powledge.
“The Dope on Dopamine's Central Role in the Brain's Motivation and Reward Networks”.
September 15 2008.
Scientific American.
22 February 2009
<http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=dopamines-central-role-brains-motivation-reward>


Heather Mayer.
“Does Pleasure Get Old”.
September 15 2008.
ScienCentral.com
17 February 2009
<http://www.sciencentral.com/video/2008/09/15/does-pleasure-get-old/>


Nikhil Swaminathan
“Fingering the Neural Perp in Parkinson's”.
August 14, 2007.
Scientific American.
23 February 2009
<http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=fingering-the-neural-perp-parkinson>


Dr Carl J Brandt, Dr Sarah Burnett, and Dr John Pillinger.
“MRI scan”.
10 April 2005.
Netdoctor.co.uk
24 February, 2009
<http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/health_advice/examinations/mriscan.htm>


Davis, Karen, D.
New Techniques for examining the brain.
New York
Chelsea House
2007

posted 3/4/2009 2:23 PM | comment | view comments (0)

Julia M.- Optimism In The Brain

Optimism In The Brain
By: Julia M
    It was apparent in past studies that the amygdala, which changes behavior to keep with internal needs, was most active when the people being examined thought and felt angry. (Clayman, 14) (Sharot) However, a new study suggests this is untrue. The rostral anterior cingulated cortex (rACC), which has been linked with trait optimism, works with the amygdala to imagine positive future events. Tali sharot, along with a group of fellow scientists at the University College London, have found that working together the amygdala and rACC work together and are more active when thinking about positive future events than any other emotion.(Khamsi)
    The scientists who conducted this study first gave their volunteers a test to take. They took the life orientation test – revised to determine how optimistic they were. The researches found a positive correlation between those who were rated more optimistic on the test and those who were more likely to “expect positive events to happen closer in the future than negative events, and to experience them with a greater sense of pre-experiencing.” (Sharot)   
    Next, the volunteers were scanned by a functional magnetic resonance imaging machine (fMRI) and were asked to think about both positive and negative past and future events. They found that the amygdala and rACC were more active when the subject was imagining positive future events than when it was imagining negative future events or any past event. Also, a strong correlation between how active the amygdala and rACC were found to be when positive future events were being thought. This was less strong when the subject was thinking of negative or past events.(Sharot)
    A fMRI machine is used to see how the brain responds to different manipulation. This is done by doing something to the subject; like asking them questions, having them make decisions, or perform a task. Most of the time, these tests are repeated multiple times to ensure the validity of their findings. Also, it is used to see how different drugs affect the brain and how they change to different brain responses. (Davis)
    As a result of this study, there is a new way of looking at the amygdala. Before, it was somewhat seen as the main area where the emotion of anger would show itself. Now however, there is a conclusion that when it works with the rACC a person is more than likely thinking optimistic thoughts. Also, before it had been known that when there was a deficiency or problem with either of these two areas, that a person was more than likely depressed. This finding can help diagnose and treat depression if further studied.
























Bibliography

Clayman, Charles,. ed. The Human Body. New York: DK Publishing, Inc., 1995.
Davis, Karen D. New Techniques for Examining the Brain. New York: Chelse House
Publishers, 2007.
Khamsi, Karen. “Source of ‘Optimism’ Found in the Brain”. 24 Oct. 2007. NewScientist.
17 Feb. 2009 <http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn12827-source-of-optimism-
found-in-the-brain.html>.
Sharot, Tali. “Neural Mechanisms Mediating Optimism Bias.” Nature 1 Nov. 2007:
102+. Proquest. Proquest. Red Land High School Lib., Lewisberry PA. 2 Feb.
2009.

posted 3/4/2009 2:22 PM | comment | view comments (0)

Jake B.- Gambling

Jake B
Craig Fox and Sabrina Tom at the University of California looked into how the brain handles risk through MRI study. Through the study they were trying to show that when gambling occurs people are more prone to take the risk when the odds of winning are higher than the odds of losing. They were mostly looking towards how the minds processes handled decision making. They used a gambling video game which was administered during the MRI as an experiment.
    The test which they used sixteen volunteers and put them into an MRI scan, from there they used a gambling video game to closely relates to the real thing. Each time they would do the test they would change to wagers or even change the odds to see the decision process. They found that a major part came from the reward center of the brain. The test showed that when the stakes increased people were more likely not to take the chance of losing. One of the most important things that were shown through the MRI was that the reward center shut down when the stakes were raised. When people are winning the reward center is active or when the potential gain rose.
    The Massachusetts Council on compulsive gambling stated that 4 to 6 percent of people that gamble in a repetitive manor will become pathological gamblers. The decision making function in pathological gamblers seems to not be able to tell the difference between short term rewards and the consequences that might happen later on.Vatsal Thakkar said in the book Addiction “One study found that in some gamblers, the level of natural endorphins – the human body’s tranquility agent- was reduced compared with non-gambling subjects.”(88)  Most pathological gamblers have problems with jobs and relationships because of the addiction, they use it to escape depression and usually lie about their gambling problems.
    The brain of a pathological gambler is different than an non-gambler or an occasional gambler. The study done by The Massachusetts Council on compulsive gambling said that the a reason could be that a lack of dopamine could be the reason why they reward part of the brain doesn’t light up as much while winning and losing. They tested this by taking two groups of people one of which were pathological gamblers and the other non gamblers and told them to pick cards out of a deck. Through the MRI it showed that when the Pathological gambler won and lost the brain wasn’t showing much response in the reward area.
    The definition is of a pathological gambler from the Medline Plus Medical Encyclopedia is “being unable to resist impulses to gamble, which can lead to severe personal or social consequences.” Whether it’s pathological gambling or risk management they both have a toll on the human brain. They both involve the way the brain handles decision making and they the brain handles rewards. Even the chemical dopamine has an effect on the gambling addiction. Through the MRI technology they were able to shed light onto how the brain handles gambling
    

 Bibliography

Lehrer , Jonah. "Your brain on gambling." The Boston Globe 19 Aug. 2007. 19 Feb.
2009
<http://www.boston.com/news/globe/ideas/articles/2007/08/19/your_brain_on_gambling/>.
Nauert, Rick. "Brain Wired to Enjoy Gambling." PsychCentral16 Feb. 2009. 21 Feb.
2009 <http://psychcentral.com/news/2009/02/13/brain-wired-to-enjoy-gambling/4095.html>.
Sanders, Laura. "For gamblers' brains, almost counts." SCIENCENEWS 11 Feb. 2009.
    23 Feb. 2009
http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/40735/title/For_gamblers_brains,_almost_counts_
Thakkar,Vatsal G. Addiction. New York. NY: Chelsea House Publishers, 2006.

posted 3/4/2009 2:18 PM | comment | view comments (0)

Hannah M.- Lying and the Brain

Lying and the Brain
The brains of pathological liars have a surplus of connections in the section of their brain linked to complex thinking. In a study published in The British Journal of Psychiatry, led by Yaling Yang, a magnetic resonance imaging scanner (MRI) was used to look at the prefrontal cortex of both known liars (pathological) and non-liars and saw that known liars have more white matter than those of non-liars.
The prefrontal cortex has many jobs. A few are judgment, impulse control, and moral decisions. (Turkington) When looking at the prefrontal cortex, one would see grey matter, “the groups of brain cells that process information,” (Krulwich 1) and white matter. In the study, researches noticed that the brains of liars have less grey matter than usual up to fourteen percent less. The grey matter helps keep a person from lying. With less of this, a person will have the impulse to lie more often. “If liars have a fourteen percent reduction in grey matter, that means they are less likely to care about moral issues or are less likely to be able to process moral issues.” (Melville 1)
    The white matter in the prefrontal cortex is what helps pathological liars to lie with ease. The white matter “is composed of connective tissues that carry electrical signals from one group of neurons to another.” (Krulwich 2) Having more electrical signals, the liars are able to think fast. They can come up with something on the spot, jumping from one thought to the next. The liars in the study had a twenty-two percent increase than non-liars in their prefrontal cortex.  
    The technology used in this experiment is a magnetic resonance imaging scanner, also known as an MRI. An MRI allows researches or doctors to look at and study the brain in length the brain activity and brain structures. What the researchers did in this study is put forty-nine people into an MRI scanner and study the prefrontal cortex. When looking at the pictures that the MRI printed out, the researchers saw that the pathological liars had more white matter (up to twenty-six percent) and less grey matter (up to fourteen percent) in their prefrontal cortexes. Seeing the results of these images, researchers were able to figure out that people with more white matter than grey matter in their prefrontal cortex can lie with ease.
    In a study conducted by Yaling Yang, a MRI was used to look at the prefrontal cortex of forty-nine people, both known liars (pathological) and non-liars, and saw that known liars have more white matter than those of non-liars. Using the MRI is how the researchers figured out that pathological liars are able to lie naturally. With more white matter, which means more connections to complex thinking, liars can come up with something (either true or untrue) almost instantly. What researchers are now working on is how autistic children have an unusual growth rate of white matter, causing them to have difficulty in lying. They will continue to research the relationship between the brain and lying.








Bibliography
Krulwich, Robert, and Jad Abumrad. “Radio Lab: Into the Brain of a Liar.” NPR. 17 Feb.
2009 <www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=87922568>.

Melville, Kate. “Liar, Liar, Your Prefrontal Cortex is on Fire.” Science A Go
Go. 17 Feb. 2009
<www.scienceagogo.com/news/20050904005170data_trunc_sys.shtml>.

Turkington, Carol. The Brain and Brain Disorders. New York: Facts on File Inc, 2002.




    
 

posted 3/4/2009 2:17 PM | comment | view comments (0)

Erik K.- Genetic Risk of Obsessive-Compulsive Dis

 Genetic Risk of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Erik K
Block 4
Psychology
2/25/09

Cambridge University researchers found that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be able to reveal a genetic risk of developing obsessive-compulsive disorder (“Brain Scan” 1). Researchers scanned the brains of about 100 people. Distinctive patterns in brain structure were found among those with OCD and their close relatives (“Brain Scan” 1). Low amounts of grey matter appeared in the orbitofrontal and right inferior cortexes (“Brain Scan” 1).  Researchers believe that these brain factors appear to run in families and may represent a genetic risk factor for the development of OCD (“Brain Scan” 1).
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a type of anxiety disorder that is characterized by unreasonable thoughts and fears, which lead to repetitive behaviors (Irons-Georges 158).  These thoughts and fears are uncontrollable, cause a large amount of stress, and take up a lot of time (Irons-Georges 159). The disorder is made up of two parts (Irons-Georges 159). The first is obsessive doubts or impulses that make the individual feel like certain tasks must be done in a satisfactory manner, or something bad will happen (Irons-Georges 159). The second is compulsions, or ritualized behaviors (Irons-Georges 159). The individual may feel that these rituals must be done precisely, in a particular manner, or a certain number of times (Irons-Georges 159). If the rituals are not done in the correct manner, a high level of anxiety usually results (Irons-Georges 159). An individual suffering with OCD may experience obsessions, compulsions, or both (Irons-Georges 159).
There is no proven cause of OCD, but research suggests that it may involve physical defects, genetics, or biochemical disorders. (Irons-Georges 159). Research also shows communication problems between the front part of the brain and its deeper structures (Irons-Georges 160). These brain structures use the neurotransmitter serotonin, so it is believed that insufficient levels of serotonin may be a key factor in the disorder’s development (Irons-Georges 161).
Cambridge University researchers used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in their research (Irons-Georges 1). A magnetic resonance imaging scan is a noninvasive method that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create pictures of the brain and surrounding nerve tissues (“Head MRI” 1). The researchers used this method to compare the individuals with OCD to their close relatives (Menzies 1). This is how they found the low amounts of grey matter in the orbitofrontal and inferior cortexes (“Brain Scan” 1).
     Grey matter is the closely packed neuron cell bodies of the brain (“Introduction” 1). It is involved in parts of the brain that have to do with muscle control, sensory perception, memory, emotion, and speech (“Introduction” 1). The orbitofrontal cortex is involved in the process of decision-making and emotion (Bechara 1). The right inferior cortex is involved in the ability to suppress one’s impulses and actions (Forstmann 1). These processes and abilities are the most problematic for individuals with OCD (Irons-Georges 1).
    The orbitofrontal and inferior cortexes are located in the frontal lobe of the brain (“Brain Scan” 1). On September 13, 1848, Phineas Gage was working on a railroad when an explosion sent a three-foot iron bar through his skull (Chudler 1). He received most of his injury to his frontal lobe (Chudler 1). Phineas survived the incident, but experienced drastic changes in his behavior and emotions (Chudler 1). He went from being a polite and hard-working individual, to a man who had no respect for social graces and was prone to selfish and foul-mouthed behavior (Chudler 1). He had trouble with decision-making and controlling his impulses (Chudler 1). These are major indicators of damage to the orbitofrontal and right inferior cortexes of the brain (Bechara 1; Forstmann 1). They are also common symptoms of OCD (Irons-Georges 1).
The Cambridge University researchers found proof of a possible genetic risk of developing OCD with the use of magnetic resonance imaging (“Brain Scan” 1). The low amounts of grey matter were found in the orbitofrontal and inferior cortexes (“Brain Scan” 1). These regions of the brain are involved in decision-making, emotion, and controlling impulses and actions (Bechara 1; Forstmann 1). Problems with these functions are a major sign of OCD (Irons-Georges 1).











Works Cited
Bechara, A. ""Emotion, Decision Making and the Orbitofrontal Cortex." Cereb Cortex 10 Mar. 2000: 295-307. National Center for Biotechnology Information. 18 Feb. 2009 <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10731224>.
"Brain Scan May Detect OCD Risk." BBC News 26 Nov. 2007. BBC. 17 Feb. 2009 <http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/mpapps/pagetools/print/news.bbc.co.uk/ 1/hi/health/7109763.stm>.
Chudler, Eric H. "The Prefrontal Cortex and Moral Behavior." Neuroscience for Kids 11 Nov. 1999. University of Washington. 18 Feb. 2009 <http://faculty.washin gton.edu/chudler/moral.html>.
Forstmann, Birte U. "Function and Structure of the Right Inferior Frontal Cortex Predict Individual Differences in Response Inhibition: A Model-Based Approach." The Journal of Neuroscience 18 Aug. 2008.  Society for Neuroscience. 18 Feb. 2009 <http://www.jneurosci.org/cgi/content/abstrac
    t/28/39/9790>.
"Head MRI." Medical Encyclopedia. 22 Dec. 2008. MedlinePlus. 22 Feb. 2009 <http://www.nlm.nih.gov/me dlineplus/ency/article/003791.htm>.
“Introduction.” Brain Atlas. 2005. Lundbeck Institute. 22 Feb. 2009 <http://www.br
    ainexplorer.org/brain_atlas/Brainatlas_index.shtml>.
Irons-Georges, Tracy, ed. Magill’s Medical Guide. Vol 4. Pasadena: Salem Press, 2008. 5 vols.

    

 

posted 3/4/2009 2:16 PM | comment | view comments (0)

Erik K.- Genetic Risk of Obsessive-Compulsive Dis

 Genetic Risk of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Erik K
Block 4
Psychology
2/25/09

Cambridge University researchers found that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be able to reveal a genetic risk of developing obsessive-compulsive disorder (“Brain Scan” 1). Researchers scanned the brains of about 100 people. Distinctive patterns in brain structure were found among those with OCD and their close relatives (“Brain Scan” 1). Low amounts of grey matter appeared in the orbitofrontal and right inferior cortexes (“Brain Scan” 1).  Researchers believe that these brain factors appear to run in families and may represent a genetic risk factor for the development of OCD (“Brain Scan” 1).
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a type of anxiety disorder that is characterized by unreasonable thoughts and fears, which lead to repetitive behaviors (Irons-Georges 158).  These thoughts and fears are uncontrollable, cause a large amount of stress, and take up a lot of time (Irons-Georges 159). The disorder is made up of two parts (Irons-Georges 159). The first is obsessive doubts or impulses that make the individual feel like certain tasks must be done in a satisfactory manner, or something bad will happen (Irons-Georges 159). The second is compulsions, or ritualized behaviors (Irons-Georges 159). The individual may feel that these rituals must be done precisely, in a particular manner, or a certain number of times (Irons-Georges 159). If the rituals are not done in the correct manner, a high level of anxiety usually results (Irons-Georges 159). An individual suffering with OCD may experience obsessions, compulsions, or both (Irons-Georges 159).
There is no proven cause of OCD, but research suggests that it may involve physical defects, genetics, or biochemical disorders. (Irons-Georges 159). Research also shows communication problems between the front part of the brain and its deeper structures (Irons-Georges 160). These brain structures use the neurotransmitter serotonin, so it is believed that insufficient levels of serotonin may be a key factor in the disorder’s development (Irons-Georges 161).
Cambridge University researchers used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in their research (Irons-Georges 1). A magnetic resonance imaging scan is a noninvasive method that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create pictures of the brain and surrounding nerve tissues (“Head MRI” 1). The researchers used this method to compare the individuals with OCD to their close relatives (Menzies 1). This is how they found the low amounts of grey matter in the orbitofrontal and inferior cortexes (“Brain Scan” 1).
     Grey matter is the closely packed neuron cell bodies of the brain (“Introduction” 1). It is involved in parts of the brain that have to do with muscle control, sensory perception, memory, emotion, and speech (“Introduction” 1). The orbitofrontal cortex is involved in the process of decision-making and emotion (Bechara 1). The right inferior cortex is involved in the ability to suppress one’s impulses and actions (Forstmann 1). These processes and abilities are the most problematic for individuals with OCD (Irons-Georges 1).
    The orbitofrontal and inferior cortexes are located in the frontal lobe of the brain (“Brain Scan” 1). On September 13, 1848, Phineas Gage was working on a railroad when an explosion sent a three-foot iron bar through his skull (Chudler 1). He received most of his injury to his frontal lobe (Chudler 1). Phineas survived the incident, but experienced drastic changes in his behavior and emotions (Chudler 1). He went from being a polite and hard-working individual, to a man who had no respect for social graces and was prone to selfish and foul-mouthed behavior (Chudler 1). He had trouble with decision-making and controlling his impulses (Chudler 1). These are major indicators of damage to the orbitofrontal and right inferior cortexes of the brain (Bechara 1; Forstmann 1). They are also common symptoms of OCD (Irons-Georges 1).
The Cambridge University researchers found proof of a possible genetic risk of developing OCD with the use of magnetic resonance imaging (“Brain Scan” 1). The low amounts of grey matter were found in the orbitofrontal and inferior cortexes (“Brain Scan” 1). These regions of the brain are involved in decision-making, emotion, and controlling impulses and actions (Bechara 1; Forstmann 1). Problems with these functions are a major sign of OCD (Irons-Georges 1).











Works Cited
Bechara, A. ""Emotion, Decision Making and the Orbitofrontal Cortex." Cereb Cortex 10 Mar. 2000: 295-307. National Center for Biotechnology Information. 18 Feb. 2009 <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10731224>.
"Brain Scan May Detect OCD Risk." BBC News 26 Nov. 2007. BBC. 17 Feb. 2009 <http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/mpapps/pagetools/print/news.bbc.co.uk/ 1/hi/health/7109763.stm>.
Chudler, Eric H. "The Prefrontal Cortex and Moral Behavior." Neuroscience for Kids 11 Nov. 1999. University of Washington. 18 Feb. 2009 <http://faculty.washin gton.edu/chudler/moral.html>.
Forstmann, Birte U. "Function and Structure of the Right Inferior Frontal Cortex Predict Individual Differences in Response Inhibition: A Model-Based Approach." The Journal of Neuroscience 18 Aug. 2008.  Society for Neuroscience. 18 Feb. 2009 <http://www.jneurosci.org/cgi/content/abstrac
    t/28/39/9790>.
"Head MRI." Medical Encyclopedia. 22 Dec. 2008. MedlinePlus. 22 Feb. 2009 <http://www.nlm.nih.gov/me dlineplus/ency/article/003791.htm>.
“Introduction.” Brain Atlas. 2005. Lundbeck Institute. 22 Feb. 2009 <http://www.br
    ainexplorer.org/brain_atlas/Brainatlas_index.shtml>.
Irons-Georges, Tracy, ed. Magill’s Medical Guide. Vol 4. Pasadena: Salem Press, 2008. 5 vols.

    

 

posted 3/4/2009 2:16 PM | comment | view comments (0)

Erik K.- Genetic Risk of Obsessive-Compulsive Dis

 Genetic Risk of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Erik K
Block 4
Psychology
2/25/09

Cambridge University researchers found that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be able to reveal a genetic risk of developing obsessive-compulsive disorder (“Brain Scan” 1). Researchers scanned the brains of about 100 people. Distinctive patterns in brain structure were found among those with OCD and their close relatives (“Brain Scan” 1). Low amounts of grey matter appeared in the orbitofrontal and right inferior cortexes (“Brain Scan” 1).  Researchers believe that these brain factors appear to run in families and may represent a genetic risk factor for the development of OCD (“Brain Scan” 1).
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a type of anxiety disorder that is characterized by unreasonable thoughts and fears, which lead to repetitive behaviors (Irons-Georges 158).  These thoughts and fears are uncontrollable, cause a large amount of stress, and take up a lot of time (Irons-Georges 159). The disorder is made up of two parts (Irons-Georges 159). The first is obsessive doubts or impulses that make the individual feel like certain tasks must be done in a satisfactory manner, or something bad will happen (Irons-Georges 159). The second is compulsions, or ritualized behaviors (Irons-Georges 159). The individual may feel that these rituals must be done precisely, in a particular manner, or a certain number of times (Irons-Georges 159). If the rituals are not done in the correct manner, a high level of anxiety usually results (Irons-Georges 159). An individual suffering with OCD may experience obsessions, compulsions, or both (Irons-Georges 159).
There is no proven cause of OCD, but research suggests that it may involve physical defects, genetics, or biochemical disorders. (Irons-Georges 159). Research also shows communication problems between the front part of the brain and its deeper structures (Irons-Georges 160). These brain structures use the neurotransmitter serotonin, so it is believed that insufficient levels of serotonin may be a key factor in the disorder’s development (Irons-Georges 161).
Cambridge University researchers used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in their research (Irons-Georges 1). A magnetic resonance imaging scan is a noninvasive method that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create pictures of the brain and surrounding nerve tissues (“Head MRI” 1). The researchers used this method to compare the individuals with OCD to their close relatives (Menzies 1). This is how they found the low amounts of grey matter in the orbitofrontal and inferior cortexes (“Brain Scan” 1).
     Grey matter is the closely packed neuron cell bodies of the brain (“Introduction” 1). It is involved in parts of the brain that have to do with muscle control, sensory perception, memory, emotion, and speech (“Introduction” 1). The orbitofrontal cortex is involved in the process of decision-making and emotion (Bechara 1). The right inferior cortex is involved in the ability to suppress one’s impulses and actions (Forstmann 1). These processes and abilities are the most problematic for individuals with OCD (Irons-Georges 1).
    The orbitofrontal and inferior cortexes are located in the frontal lobe of the brain (“Brain Scan” 1). On September 13, 1848, Phineas Gage was working on a railroad when an explosion sent a three-foot iron bar through his skull (Chudler 1). He received most of his injury to his frontal lobe (Chudler 1). Phineas survived the incident, but experienced drastic changes in his behavior and emotions (Chudler 1). He went from being a polite and hard-working individual, to a man who had no respect for social graces and was prone to selfish and foul-mouthed behavior (Chudler 1). He had trouble with decision-making and controlling his impulses (Chudler 1). These are major indicators of damage to the orbitofrontal and right inferior cortexes of the brain (Bechara 1; Forstmann 1). They are also common symptoms of OCD (Irons-Georges 1).
The Cambridge University researchers found proof of a possible genetic risk of developing OCD with the use of magnetic resonance imaging (“Brain Scan” 1). The low amounts of grey matter were found in the orbitofrontal and inferior cortexes (“Brain Scan” 1). These regions of the brain are involved in decision-making, emotion, and controlling impulses and actions (Bechara 1; Forstmann 1). Problems with these functions are a major sign of OCD (Irons-Georges 1).











Works Cited
Bechara, A. ""Emotion, Decision Making and the Orbitofrontal Cortex." Cereb Cortex 10 Mar. 2000: 295-307. National Center for Biotechnology Information. 18 Feb. 2009 <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10731224>.
"Brain Scan May Detect OCD Risk." BBC News 26 Nov. 2007. BBC. 17 Feb. 2009 <http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/mpapps/pagetools/print/news.bbc.co.uk/ 1/hi/health/7109763.stm>.
Chudler, Eric H. "The Prefrontal Cortex and Moral Behavior." Neuroscience for Kids 11 Nov. 1999. University of Washington. 18 Feb. 2009 <http://faculty.washin gton.edu/chudler/moral.html>.
Forstmann, Birte U. "Function and Structure of the Right Inferior Frontal Cortex Predict Individual Differences in Response Inhibition: A Model-Based Approach." The Journal of Neuroscience 18 Aug. 2008.  Society for Neuroscience. 18 Feb. 2009 <http://www.jneurosci.org/cgi/content/abstrac
    t/28/39/9790>.
"Head MRI." Medical Encyclopedia. 22 Dec. 2008. MedlinePlus. 22 Feb. 2009 <http://www.nlm.nih.gov/me dlineplus/ency/article/003791.htm>.
“Introduction.” Brain Atlas. 2005. Lundbeck Institute. 22 Feb. 2009 <http://www.br
    ainexplorer.org/brain_atlas/Brainatlas_index.shtml>.
Irons-Georges, Tracy, ed. Magill’s Medical Guide. Vol 4. Pasadena: Salem Press, 2008. 5 vols.

    

 

posted 3/4/2009 2:14 PM | comment | view comments (0)

Deven K.- Jazz Improvisation on the Brain

Two scientists from Johns Hopkins and government scientists used fMRI (Functional Magnetic Resonance Imagining) and found that when jazz musicians improvise an increase of activity in the medial prefrontal cortex occurs. (ScienceDaily) This study shows that even though improvising and memorized melodies appear to be the same from the outside the brain treats them completely different.
    In the study, the scientists used six experienced and trained jazz pianists from the Johns Hopkins University Peabody Institute in four different exercises. (ScienceDaily) The scientists had to develop a specialized keyboard with no iron-containing metal pieces that could be played by the musicians while in the fMRI. (Johns Hopkins Medicine) The specialized keyboard plugged into a computer and then the piano sounds were sent to the musicians’ ears via headphones. (ScienceDaily)
    The variables come out in the four exercises the jazz musicians were asked to play while in the fMRI. First they were all asked to play the C-major scale, a well known and widely used aspect of music. Second they were asked to improvise over a metronome. Next the musicians played a memorized blues/jazz melody over a recording of a jazz quartet playing the same tune. Lastly, the musicians all improvised over the same quartet recording used in the third exercise. (ScienceDaily)
    The study showed that two different parts of the brain were activated by the two different styles of playing. The memorized riffs and melodies (exercises one and three) activated a part of the brain within the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. (ScienceDaily) The same part of the brain that deals with planned actions and self-censoring. (ScienceDaily) But the interesting part about this study is that while improvising the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex practically shuts down. (ScienceDaily). During the improv a different part of the brain within the medial prefrontal cortex became more activated, the same part of the brain that deals with creativity and self expression. (ScienceDaily)
    “What we think is happening is when you’re telling your own musical story, you’re shutting down impulses that might impede the flow of novel ideas” says Charles J. Limb, an assistant professor at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. (ScienceDaily) With the use of fMRI these scientists were able to find a connection between improvisation, creativity, and self expression. From this study we now know that while improvising over a piece of music a region in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex has a decrease in activity, but the region in the medial prefrontal cortex has an increase in activity. (ScienceDaily) “If we look at how the brain generates creativity, we will see that it is not a rational process at all; creativity is not born out of reasoning.” (Musicophilia 38) The two scientists are now planning to use similar techniques with different types of artists such as poets and visual artists. (ScienceDaily) This test opens doors to more studies and more information about creativity and the brain.
 
Bibliography

Sacks, Oliver. Musicophilia. Knoph, Canada: Alfred A. Knoph Inc., 2007.

“This Is Your Brain on Jazz: Researchers Use MRI to Study Spontaneity, Creativity”.     Feb. 26, 2008. Johns Hopkins Medicine. 17 Feb. 2009     <http;//www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080226213431.htm>


“This Is Your Brain on Jazz: Researchers Use MRI to Study Spontaneity, Creativity”.     Feb. 26, 2008. Johns Hopkins Medicine. 18 Feb. 2009     <http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/Press_releases/2008/02_26_08.html>
 

 

posted 3/4/2009 2:11 PM | comment | view comments (0)

Cody M-ADHD Current Event Research Paper

Cody M
ADHD Current Event Research Paper
 
            Many kids in America have what is called attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The symptoms of this are that the kids have impulsiveness, hyperactivity, and inattention. ADHD is a very common disorder in children. It is a mental disorder in the brain. The children with ADHD have problems functioning in settings. The settings that they have trouble in are at home, in school, and around others of their age. This new study done with regard to ADHD is a huge breakthrough. The researchers at the National Institute of Mental Health have found out that kids with ADHD don't have a deficit in the brain they have a delay. With the use of MRI's, the researchers have found out that the brain's thickness of the cortex takes longer to develop in kids with ADHD than kids without it.
            The first variable that is in this experiment is that kids with ADHD have a delay in the development in the brain cortex. Kids with ADHD have much thinner cortexes then kids without the disorder. The researchers say that the pattern may be slower but it still appears to be normal (Granza 1). The cortex thickens and thins during childhood and adolescences. Professor Phillip Shaw says "It starts off relatively thin, it gets thicker and it reaches a peak thickness before getting thinner. This peak thickness is sort of like the first milestone, or one of the first milestone of brain development." About two to five percent of children have ADHD and now they finally found out why they have the disorder. (MacDonald and Block 1). But it is a huge breakthrough for the researchers to find why the kids have this disorder.
            The second variable is why do some kids eventually grow out of it and others do not. They now know why it happens but they do not have a clue why some of the people never grow out of it. "If ADHD was a complete deviation away from normal brain you'd expect the sequence to be completely disrupted" say Prof. Shaw " But it wasn't. So we think this is pretty strong evidence that ADHD is more of a delay in brain development." Another statement that Professor Shaw said was "I think it is good news. I think it means that this sort of basic brain biology is intact, all that's different is the timing of it." In this article it doesn't show or say anything about why the researchers think that some kids grow out of it and some don't. They hope to soon find a reason why some do grow out of it while others do not.
            There was a lot that went into this experiment. They first put the kids into a MRI scanner. It is an ongoing study which make it so that the researchers can keep following the kids as they grow up. The kids that they used are now 17 to 18 years old. They used advanced technology to measure the brain. They used the technology to measure the thickness of the cortex of the kid's brains. Past studies of ADHD have used much harsher technology and processes then this study did. "Previously, most studies have looked at change in the entire lobe- there are only four lobes," He goes on to say "So before, you were looking at change in four big measures, and now we're looking at change at 40,000 points across the brain. So we're now able, due to advances in technology, to pick this up at much finer brain levels. So the other stuff isn't wrong, it's just now we can look at a much more detailed level" says Professor Shaw. Not to be confused the MRI brain scans cannot be used to diagnose ADHD. Combining and averaging the data from the two groups of kids revealed the results. (Gramza 2). What they found was that the delay was about three years. Also that it was more in the front of the brain. In the frontal lobe the delay could be about five years. (Gramza 2). Now the researchers are looking forward to see why some kids come out of it and why others don't. Also they are hoping to find a way for them to catch up.
            The researchers at the National Institute of Mental Health have found out that kids with ADHD don't have a deficit in the brain they have a delay. With the use of MRI's, the researchers have found out that the brain's thickness of the cortex takes longer to develop in kids with ADHD than kids without it. They proved this by the new technology that they used. They used the most advanced technology that they could get and found out information that they never knew about. The next step for the researchers is to find out why some kids grow out of it much faster than others. Also if there is any way they can help them catch up.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Works Cited Page
"Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder". April 3, 2008. National Institute of Mental
            Health. February 17, 2009 <http://www.nimh.gov>
Gramza, Joyce. "ADHD Brain Delay". November 12, 2007. ScienceCentral.
            February 17, 2009 <http://www.sciencecentral.com>
MacDonald, Nancy E and Block, Robert W. "Attention Deficit Disorder". Magill's
            Medical Guide. 2008. Salem Health. Salem Press. Red Land High School Lib.,
            Lewisberry, PA. 17 Feb 2009 <http://health.salem.press.com>.
Magill's Medical Guide Volume 1. Pasadena, California; Salem Press, 2008
                   

 

posted 3/4/2009 2:08 PM | comment | view comments (0)

Clay H.- Alzheimer's disease

Clay H

Brain Project

2/25/09

Alzheimer’s disease affects nearly 4.5 million people in the U.S. Alzheimer’s affects nearly ten percent of the population over 65 (New Compound). Until now there was no clear way of diagnosing this disease. The cause of the disease was also unknown, but Alzheimer’s is thought to be linked to the accumulation of amyloid beta plaques. Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh confirmed a way of identifying amyloid beta plaques inside the brains of people affected by Alzheimer’s, by using both PET scans and autopsies.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia (Irons-Georges). This disease was first described by a physician in Vienna in 1907 by the name of Alois Alzheimer. The disease is recognized by rapid memory loss, disorientation and confused behavior.

Amyloid beta plaques are molecules that in groups can damage the synapses between nerve cells or neurons (Hamilton). Since this amyloid beta protein damages nerve cells it causes a deterioration of the memory and cognition part of the brain, causing memory loss, thus the Alzheimer’s (Potter). The only way to determine if there is an accumulation of amyloid beta protein in the brain was to perform an autopsy.

A new compound known as Pittsburgh Compound-B, created by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh identifies amyloid beta plaques without the use of an autopsy. This compound binds to the amyloid beta plaques found in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients (New Compound). With the help of a PET scan the PiB compound clearly shows up, anywhere the compound is identified it can be determined that there is a presence of amyloid beta plaques in the brain. PET or positron emission tomography is a scan that specializes in detecting diseases. This is a very complex scan that takes very detailed pictures.

The use of this new compound was tested on a 63-year old woman who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. The woman was injected with the PiB compound and underwent a PET scan. “The PET scan showed significant retention of PiB in distinct regions of her brain” (New Compound). After the woman died 10 months later the brain was autopsied to further prove the use of this compound. “The regions of her brain where the PET scans had identified the highest PiB levels before death correlated precisely with the regions of high beta-amyloid plaque concentrations in her autopsied brain”(New Compound). This proves that the use of the compound PiB is an effective diagnosis for Alzheimer’s disease.

Through the use of PET scans, autopsies and the new PiB, Alzheimer’s can successfully be diagnosed. A professor at the University of Pittsburgh said “This is final confirmation of what we have believed all along…that Pittsburgh Compound-B allows us to accurately assess the amount of beta-amyloid plaques in brains of people afflicted with Alzheimer’s” (New Compound). The next step in the research of Alzheimer’s is to definitively diagnose Alzheimer’s and find a method to reduce the amount amyloid beta plaques in the brains of those effected by this disease.

Works Cited

“New Compound Identifies Alzheimer’s Disease Brain Toxins, Study Shows.”

28 March 2008. Science Daily. 23 Feb. 2009 <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080326114855.htm>

 

Hamilton, Jon. “Researchers: New Explanation for Alzheimer’s.” 13 Feb. 2009.

National Public Radio. 13 Feb. 2009

<
www.npr.org/templates/story.php?storyId=97078496 <http://www.npr.org/templates/story.php?storyId=97078496> >

 

Potter, Huntington. “Alzheimer’s Disease.” 2007. Access Science. McGraw-Hill.

Red Land High School Lib., Lewisberry, PA. 17 Feb. 2009 <
http://www.accessscience.com/popup.aspx?id=YB000041&name=print <http://www.accessscience.com/popup.aspx?id=YB000041&amp;name=print> >

 

Irons-Georges, Tracy, ed. Magill’s Medical Guide. Vol. 1. Pasadina: Salem Press, 2008.

5 vols.

 

posted 3/4/2009 2:07 PM | comment | view comments (0)

Christian S.- Insulin and Diabetes Medication Agai

Christian S
2/25/09
Brain Study


        Insulin and Diabetes Medication Against Alzheimer’s Disease

    Getting the news that a loved one has begun to develope Alzheimer’s disease is a

terrible time. Soon they will begin to loose their memory, slowly, but it will speed up. They will

have trouble concentrating on simple things, and thinking straight (What is Alzheimer’s). But,

 there is a hope for Alzheimer’s patients.  Willim Klein  and his associates at Northwestern

University have discovered that insulin and diabetes medications that amplifies insulin sensitivity

protect nerve cells from the proteins that cause Alzheimer’s disease, and can slow the

progression of Alzheimer’s disease through testing on rat brain cells (Steenhuysen).

    Alzheimer’s disease is fatal. At first it causes memory loss, but it  eventually causes

death. Alzheimers is actually a form of dementia, and it is currently the most common found in

the United States. In the early stages of Alzheimer’s, one might not even notice it and just think

of it as getting old and forgeting things. These include: “problems with memory, thinking and

concentration.” (qtd. in What is Alzheimer’s). Unfortunatly, by the time that a person is

diagnosed with it, they have usually already gone onto later stages.

    What actually causes Alzheimer’s disease are plaques and tangles. These two abnormal

structures are the ones that do the dirty work.  They kill off nerve cells and cause masive

memory loss. The “Plaques build up between nerve cells”(qtd. in What is Alzheimer’s), and

have the chunk of protien beta-amyloid (or amyloid-beta).  Dying cells provide the second cause

of Alzheimer’s, tangles. Tangles probably disrupt communications between the nerve cells.

Everybody developes these tangles and plaques as they get older, its just a fact of life. But in

patients with Alzheimer’s disease they develope in increased amounts gradually becoming

Alzheimer’s. "People with type 2 diabetes have twice the normal risk of alzhiemer's disease."

(qtd. in Priceedings of the National Academy of the Sciences).

    The hope for Alzheimer's patients is here. New studies have found that insulin, and

diabetes medication can help keep the proteins that cause Alzheimer's at bay.  William Klein

has discovered the possibility that Alzheimer' might be a thrid type of diabetes. Klein says,

" In type 1 diabetes, your pancreas isn't making insulin. In type 2 diabetes, your tissues are

insensititve to insulin because of problems in the insulin receptor. Type 3 is where that insulin

receptor problem is localized in the brain" (Steenhuysen).  So, basically, the protein Beta-

Amyloid can be stopped, and destroyed my diabetes medication and Insulin.  Klein and his

team have been working with rat brain cells during these experiments. They basically took

rat brain cells affected by the Beta-Amyloids, applied the insulin and diabetes medication, and

the brain cells were protected from the proteins (steenhuysen).

    Alzheimer's may have found a cure. Thanks to the work of William Klien and his team,

they may have found a new treatment option for Alzheimer's patients. All that is needed is

diabetes medication, and insulin, and there is a possible preventative to Alzheimer's.  The data

is clear, the Beta-Amyloids could not damage the nerve cells in the rat, this is possible. The hope

for the near furture is for the team at Northwestern University will continue their research, and

possibly move onto human testing, getting the program one step closer to making this an

approved treatment for Alzheimer's Disease (Stueenhuysen).








Bibliography

    "Diabetes Drug Linked to Alzheimer's". February 23, 2009. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 24 February, 2009<http://www.sciencentral.com/video/2009/02/23/diabetes-drug/>

    Stueenhuysen, Julie. "Insulin protects brain from Alzheimer's: US study". February 3, 2009. MedlinePlus.17 February, 2009<http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/print/news/fullstory_74961.html>

    "What is Alzheimer's". Alzheimer's Association. 24 February, 2009 <http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_what_is_alzheimers.asp>

posted 3/4/2009 2:04 PM | comment | view comments (0)

Chanel S. - Autism

Chanel S.
Autism is a disorder that deals with questions unanswered (“About”). For example, what causes it? Researchers are studying to find these answers. Recent studies have suggested that the shrinkage of amygdales is linked to autistic brains (“Fear”). The amygdale deals with social, communication, and interaction of a person (Brynie, 9). Researchers from the University of Wisconsin suggested that, people with autism have cell death and shrinkage of Amygdales, using MRI scans (“Fear”).  

Autism is a brain disorder that makes it difficult for people to communicate, socialize, and interact with others. This disorder is recognized early on in childhood. Children with autism are diagnosed by the age of three. As a child some signs that show they may have autism are, feeding difficulties, repetitive behavior, failure to respond to their name, little facial expression, or resistance to being touched. As an adult they tend to be overly polite, and socially awkward. Autistic people may have the same intelligence as those who aren’t autistic and some even have special talents. Their isn’t a single cause for autism. Scientists are still studying to figure out what causes autism. Some ideas that are being suggested for the cause are, inheritance, from other medical disorders, and even from the environment around them. Their isn’t yet a treatment to cure autism, but there are some ways to help the people with this disorder. Autistic people may go to support groups for mental stability, or also physical and psychosocial therapy to help them interact with others (Harris).
The Amygdale is a component of the limbic system which scientists think may have a connection to autism (“Fear”). “The amygdale is an almond shaped neural structure in the anterior part of the temporal lobe of the cerebrum” (Brynie, 9). The amygdale deals with
emotions, behaviors, and feelings. Emotions are analyzed through perceptions and thoughts of the amygdale (Brynie, 9). The amygdale works with the hippocampus in the brain. Male hormones cause boys amygdales to grow faster than a girl’s amygdale. The amygdale is just a small part of the brain that deals with a big part of a person’s social interaction (Brynie, 31).
 “Researchers from the University of Wisconsin suggested the amygdale may shrink due to chronic stress caused by social fear in childhood” (“Fear”). In this study, results showed that teenagers and young men with autism usually had a smaller than the average sized amygdale. These studies were measured by using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans. These individuals who were tested were also asked to socially interact and recognize different facial expressions. The researcher’s results showed that men with autism whose amygdales were small were also the slowest to point out emotional from neutral expressions. These men were also the most socially impaired during their early years of childhood. Dr. Richard Davidson stated that these results showed a connection to when the first reaction of the brain reacts to stress that is caused by the fear of other people is by becoming hyperactive. This will eventually lead to cell death and eventually shrinkage of these people’s amygdales. Children with autism who don’t struggle as much with socializing has slower shrinkage of the amygdale than others who have much difficulty (“Fear”).
These researchers from the University of Wisconsin suggested that people with autism have cell death and shrinkage of the amygdale, due to a fear of socializing with others. Using MRI scans, and a random selection of autistic people they have studied this hypothesis (“Fear”). The amygdale may not have a big effect on people with autism, but its one step closer to figuring out the answers for why this disorder is caused, and where it comes from.


Works Cited
“About Autism.” 21 Jan. 2008. Autism Society of America.        19 Feb. 2009 <http://www.autism-society.org>.
“Fear centre ‘shrinks’ in autism.” 18 Mar. 2007. BBC News. 13      Feb. 2009 <http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk>.
Harris, Madeline, Ellen Thackery, eds. The Gale Encyclopedia of       Mental Disorders. Vol. 1. Detroit: Gale, 2003. 2 vols.

 

posted 3/4/2009 2:03 PM | comment | view comments (0)

Brittany R.-A Correlation Between Alzheimer’s Dise

Brittany R
A Correlation Between Alzheimer’s Disease and Career Choice
    Many people all around the world fear the effect Alzheimer’s could have on their brains. The disease has the capability of making a person forget everything about his or her life. Recently, researchers have found ways to help reduce the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. One study in particular found that the job a person has will help distinguish how much Alzheimer’s will affect him or her. At San Raffaele University, Milan a study done on tissue damage by Dr. Valentina Garibotta suggests that people who attended college and work mentally straining jobs can protect their neurons against Alzheimer’s.
    Alzheimer’s affects memory, logical thinking, and personality. It is a progressive disease that destroys brain cells (Lillrank 43).  A person usually attains Alzheimer’s by inheriting the trait from a parent. Alzheimer’s attacks all parts of the brain but it primarily affects the frontal lobe. The frontal lobe is the part of the brain that determines logical thinking and personality. The cerebellum also is attacked when Alzheimer’s disease is present in the brain.
    The study in Milan took a group of people to study over a 14 month period. There were 242 people with Alzheimer’s, 72 people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 144 people that had no trouble remembering anything. The people were tested on their memory skills  (Bowden 1). It was found that people with mentally demanding jobs had fewer symptoms of Alzheimer’s. The people who were college educated also had fewer symptoms (Job Choice 1). Over the 14 months 21 of the people with MCI ended up becoming diagnosed with Alzheimer’s (Bowden 1). This was found during the performance of the case study.
    The more scientific research had quite different results. MRI scans were taken of the individuals.  An MRI scan is a still shot of the brain. The MRI scans showed more damage in the people’s brains that showed fewer symptoms of Alzheimer’s and were higher educated (Job 1). The scientists also monitored the brain damage of the elderly people by looking at protein deposits that are normal in a brain of a person infected with Alzheimer’s (Possible 1).  The people were said to create a “cognitive reverse”, which is when the brain copes better with Alzheimer’s, but has tissue damage from previously stressful years of working and schooling (Job 1). Dr. Valentina Garibotta went on to say “The brains are able to compensate for the damage and allow them to maintain functioning in spite of damage” (qtd. Job 1). One theory to explain why the brain damage does not cause people to have Alzheimer’s symptoms is simply that idea  that people who have been using their brains at work and at universities have strengthened their brains (Bowden 1).
    To conclude, even though an elderly person may have a damaged brain, it does not mean that they will gain Alzheimer’s. It is very possible that the person worked a job that requires a high level of mental activity. In fact, a person with brain damage may even show less signs of Alzheimer’s due to “cognitive reverse”. Hopefully researchers will find out for certain why this cognitive reverse occurs and other ways individuals can protect themselves against Alzheimer’s disease.

Works Cited Page
Bowden, Rich. “Does Your Job Protect You Against Alzheimer’s Disease?”. 21 Oct. 2008. The Tech Herald.  17 Feb. 2009 <http://www.thetechherald.com/article.php>.
“Job Choice Affect’s Alzheimer’s”. 21 Oct. 2008. BBC News. 17 Feb. 2009 <http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/mpapps/>.
Lillrank, Sonja, M. Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias. New York: Infobase Publishing, 2007.
“Possible Link Between Job Choice and Alzheimer’s”. 23 Oct. 2008. Craegmoor Healthcare. 17 Feb. 2009 <http://www.craegmoor.co.uk/new/industry>.

posted 3/4/2009 2:00 PM | comment | view comments (0)

Breanna B.- Emotions and the Brain

Breanna B
Emotions and the Brain
Psychology
 
    For years now, Scientists have studied humans and the way the brain is effected by our emotions. How is it a fearful situation can hold a faster reaction time than that of a joyful one? What are Fear and Classical Conditionings? How is there a long and a short way between the emotional stimulus and the response? Researchers Paul Ekman, Wallace Friesen, and Carroll Izard, as well as a few from the University of Vanderbilt, have all done studies on the brain and its association with our emotions, mainly fear, and how they play a large role in our reaction time, as well as how we may handle certain situations.
 
    In situations where threats to a person arise, the brain is said to react quicker than in that of a happy one. A fearful expression will come quickly while a happy one holds a slow reaction time. Researchers of Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee believe that the amygdala holds a key role in this. Dr. David Zald, a professor of Psychology at the university stated, "We believe that the brian can detect certain cues even before we are aware of them, so that we can direct our attention to potentially threatening situations in our environment". Dr. Zald is correct on this study.
 
    Of all the emotions we have, fear holds the most space and energy. Charles Darwin tested this theory on animals. It was believed they react in the same way that humans would. They all showed the same reactions of peril. They froze in place, had increased heart rates, and an increased tendency to be startled. We can learn of humans and fear from animal studies. Fear Conditioning is an exploration on how animals learn to fear specific stimuli within their environment. It is the same way with humans. Classical Conditioning, of which Fear Conditioning is from, is a type of associative learning. This was founded by Ivan Pavlov in the 1920's. The most famous example is that of an 11 month old used in an experiment conducted by John Watson and Rosalie Rayner. The boy, called Little Albert, was afraid of loud noises but not rats. He was given a rat and, just as he was about to touch it, a hammer was struck on a steel bar behind him. After seven times of doing this, he grew a fear of the rat, as well as things that resembled a rat.
 
    The amygdala helps us to react to any danger we may come across, almost instantly. Mostly, we will realize what has frightened us, after our initial response to it. This process begins in the Sensory Stimulus with any scary shape or sound we may see or hear. The sensation of fear is sent to the Thalamus. From there on, it makes its way to one ot the Sensory Cortexes, where its meaning is determined. If dangerous, the amygdala then preforms the proper response. This is one way. The other way does not even need to pass through the cortex. It is much shorter and explains our quick reaction times. This shorter way holds no confirmation of if there really is danger because it is determined by the cortex.
 
    These experiments and findings make human emotions easier to understand. For example, if you were riding a brand new roller coaster at Hershey Park, your fear would cause you to scream because of how you are feeling at the time. However, it would end up being nothing but a good scare.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Works Cited:
 
Look of fear sparks fast reaction
<http:news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7041164/stm>
 
"Fear Conditioning: How the Brain Learns about Danger
By: Joanna Schaffhausen
    References: LaBar, K.S., LeDoux, J.E., Spencer, D.D., Phelps, E.A. (1995). Impaired fear conditioning following unilateral temporal lobectomy to humans. Journal of Neuroscience, 15, 6846-55.
 
The Two Pathways of Fear
http://the brain.mcgille.ca/flash/d/d_04/d_04_cr/d_04_cr_peu/d_04_cr_peu.html

 
 

posted 3/4/2009 1:58 PM | comment | view comments (0)

Brandi K.- Lonieless, does it affect your brain?

Brandi
Feb. 25, 2009
Mr. Gonce
Block 4

Loneliness, does it affect your brain?
    Loneliness is a very common emotion among people, almost one in five Americans experience it.  But it should not be overlooked just because it is a common emotion; loneliness has an effect on the brain (“Loneliness Affects”). Researchers at the University of Chicago proved that loneliness correlates with activity in the ventral striatum and the temporoparietal junction by viewing their activity using FMRI’s.
    Loneliness can be defined simply as perceived social isolation, or just the feeling of being alone. Loneliness causes a difference in the activity in both the temporoparietal junction and the ventral striatum compared to that of a nonlonely person. The temporoparietal junction is a section of the brain involved with viewing the perspective of other people “(Loneliness Affects”).
    The ventral striatum is part of the whole striatum. The striatum receives all forms of information regarding the activity of the motor system (Turkington 297). The section of this that is the ventral striatum is a key to learning and is activated with rewards. Simple things such as food activate it but it is also activated by social feelings such as love. (“Loneliness Affects”).
    This study is the first to use FMRI’s to view how loneliness affects the brain. FMRI is the abbreviation for functional magnetic resonance imaging (“Loneliness Affects”; Cacioppo). It is like viewing the brain as a movie rather than just as one still picture at a time.
    For this study 23 female undergraduates were chosen. They were then “tested to determine their level of loneliness” (“Loneliness Affects”). The FMRI scanner was used to view brain activity while the women were shown both pleasant and unpleasant pictures (“Loneliness Affects”).
    The results showed that the nonlonely people had greater activity in their ventral striatum when shown the pleasant pictures. Whereas the lonely people had less activity, leading to the belief that social stimuli is less rewarding to them (“Loneliness Affects”; Cacioppo).
Results also showed that the temporoparietal junction is more active in non lonely people when shown unpleasant pictures. This means that the nonlonely people are more likely to put themselves in the place of the unhappy people in the pictures and think about what that would be like (“Loneliness Affects”; Cacioppo). These unpleasant pictures created activity in the visual cortex of the lonely people “suggesting that their attention is drawn more to the distress of others” (Cacioppo).
    Researchers at the University of Chicago used FMRI’s to study the affects of loneliness on the brain, and found that it correlates with activity in the ventral striatum and the temporoparietal junction. The FMRI’s showed that the nonlonely people had greater activity in their ventral striatum than lonely people when shown pleasant pictures. They also had greater activity in their temporoparietal junction when shown unpleasant pictures than the lonely people (“Loneliness Affects”; Cacioppo). Researchers should extend on this study by observing both males and females and studying a larger group of people, this could lead to much more knowledge on the affects loneliness creates in the brain.
Bibliography
Cacioppo, John T. “In the Eye of the Beholder: Individual Differences in Perceived         Social Isolation Predict Regional Brain Activation to Social Stimuli.” Journal        of Cognitive Neuroscience Jan. 2009: 1. ProQuest. ProQuest. Red Land High         School Lib., Lewisberry, PA. 20 Feb. 2009 http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did        =1618012361&sid=1&Fmt=2&clientld=48602&RQT=309&VName=PQD.

“Loneliness Affects How the Brain Operates.” 17 Feb. 2009. ScienceDaily. 17 Feb. 2009        http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090215151800.htm.

Turkington, Carol. The Encyclopedia of the Brain and Brain Disorders Second Edition.        New York; Facts on File, Inc., 2002.
    
 

posted 3/4/2009 1:56 PM | comment | view comments (0)

Ben W.- Music and the Motor Cortex

Music has brought upon many questions to scientists for centuries.  It has been a part of human history for thousands of years and can be found all over the world in every culture.  Music does not solely affect the parts of the brain used for hearing, but many other parts as well.  Scientist believed the motor cortex was used strictly for controlled movements.  Images of the brain listening to music prove that otherwise.  Robert Zatorre, with help from Joyce Chen, from McGill University shows with the use of fMRI scans that the motor cortex is active while listening to music, even if the body is still.
    These findings are being used to answer the questions of why people have an urge to dance or tap their feet when hearing music.  “Research carried out in our laboratory and in others have already shown that both auditory and motor regions of our brain become engaged when we listen to a musical rhythm and concurrently tap our fingers with it.”(Chen and Zatorre)  The motor region may show activity due to the actually tapping of the fingers.  The unexplained activity is when the body is still while listening to music.  “More interestingly, we also know that when we listen to a musical rhythm and just think about, or imagine ourselves, tapping along with it, motor regions of our brain are also engaged.” (Chen and Zatorre)  The rhythms in the test were made using a wood block.  This proves that the pitch or melody of something does not cause activity in the motor cortex, but the intricate patterns of the rhythm.
    The link between music and the motor cortex has had a huge impact on the therapy of Parkinson disease, a disease that affects motor coordination.  Music therapy shows promise to help motor coordination to those affected by Parkinson disease.  One study uses music stimulation to improve fine motor coordination.  The Vienna Test System is used to measure the coordination of fine motor skills.  This test is divided into four subgroups, which are aiming, line tracking, steadiness and tapping.  Patients showed an improvement in aiming and line tracking when stimulated by music.  This study shows music stimulation can improve precision in Parkinson patients.  Music therapy can also help improve a Parkinson patient’s gross motor skills, such as gait training.  Therapist will have the patient select a very familiar song that they like.  “Not just any melody will do. The music must evoke a response in each patient, which is used by Tomaino to help the patient enact a specific physiological movement, such as walking. For the patient to move physically, the rhythm must be stimulating and the music familiar enough to allow for carry-over outside the music therapy session." (National Association for Music Therapy)  The rhythms of the song will help improve the patient’s gait.
    The correlation of music activating the motor cortex was confirmed using fMRI, or Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging.  Unlike a typical MRI image that is a still shot, the fMRI creates a video of the changes in blood flow of the brain.  With this technology scientist were able to see that when listening to music the motor cortex was active, even though the body was still.  Volunteers were told to tap their fingers along with the rhythm.  Then they were told to imagine themselves tapping their fingers to the rhythm.  Both scans showed activity in the auditory region as well as the motor cortex.
    The fMRI scans and music therapy disprove the belief that the motor cortex is used only for controlled movements.  Music therapy shows that stimulating music can improve motor coordination while fMRI scans show activity in the motor cortex when listening to a rhythm even if the body is completely still.  This is a huge breakthrough for alternative Parkinson disease therapy.  It provides an option to the traditional therapy, which consists of drugs that have major side effects.  Hopefully this will eventually result in a cure for people with Parkinson disease.
 
 

“When Listening To Music, Your Brain Is Moving Even If You Are Not.” 15 Oct. 2006. Society for Neuroscience. 13 Feb. 2009 <apu.sfn.org/index.cfm?pagename=news_101506d>
“Music Therapy for Parkinson’s and Dementia.” National Association for Music Therapy. 18 Feb. 2009 < http://www.caregiver.on.ca/cgcihidmmt.html>
Sacks, Oliver. MUSICOPHILIA: Tales of Music and the Brain. Knoph: Alfred A. Knoph, Inc. 2007.
 

posted 3/4/2009 1:55 PM | comment | view comments (0)

Ana S- Baby talk brain waves

Ana S
2/23/09
Brain Project


     A long-term study at Rutgers University has made an attempt to find a concrete biological reason for the varying progression of language in young children.  In a study conducted by neuroscientist April Benasich, a stronger than expected positive correlation was found between the intensity of gamma waves in the brain, as measured by an electroencephalograph, and the language ability of developing toddlers (Reed 1).  
     Gamma waves are high frequency brain waves which are responsible for communicating signals throughout various regions of the brain (“Slow brain waves vital …” 1).  The cerebral cortex, which is divided into four lobes that are function specific, must communicate information between the lobes in order to coordinate processes such as sight and movement, as well as speech and hearing.  The brain begins to develop quickly following conception, as neurons form to control early informational processing tasks.  As these neurons mature, they take on their final position in the brain and form branching connections with the neurons around them.  These connections, known as dendrites, allow neurons within a close proximity to communicate amongst each other.  (Salkind 66).  In relation to these concepts, strong gamma waves in the brain would indicate that more pathways of individual neurons are transmitting information, allowing the brain to complete more complex activities (“Slow brain waves vital…” 1).
     Language ability is a vast topic, yet its foundation is laid within the brain.  Two key regions in first understanding and then creating language are Wernicke’s Area and Broca’s Area, respectively.  These regions, Wernicke’s in the temporal lobe and Broca’s in the frontal lobe, govern the ability to interact with the surrounding world through language (Salkind 66-67).  In order to fully comprehend, react, and produce language, the various regions of the brain, including Wernicke’s Area and Broca’s Area, would need to interact.
     This particular study carried out by April Benasich and her team of researchers at Rutgers University examined the strength of brain waves, specifically gamma waves, in conjunction with language ability.  Until this study was conducted very little was known about gamma waves in toddlers.  Children ages sixteen to thirty-six months were analyzed using soft sensor caps to measure the toddlers’ brain activity (Reed 1).  These soft sensor caps describe electroencephalograph technology, which uses electrodes covering the scalp in targeted locations to register the amplitude of electrical potentials that result from regular brain activity (Adler 1).  As a method of measuring the second variable, language ability, the team administered practical tests to the toddlers that focused on language and cognition (Reed 1).  These sorts of tests consist of response to auditory stimuli, visual differentiation, and auditory differentiation (Fryburg 1).  The correlation between these variables proved that as the strength of gamma waves increased so did the language ability of the toddlers (Reed 1).  
     Hence, April Benasich and her colleagues proved that there is a positive correlation between the strength of gamma waves recorded by and EEG and the capacity for language ability in young children.   By examining past research on the function of gamma waves in the brain and what parts of the brain function in language ability, it further proves that strong gamma waves would signify increased action between areas of the brain responsible for processing and producing language.  The head of New York University’s Center for Child Language, Guy Marcus, said, “It’s possible that, two or three or five years down the road, that you might be able to use a measure like this on younger infants who aren’t even talking yet and see whether you could say well, is my child at risk for language impairment,” (qtd. in Reed 1).  Such research could prove very beneficial in early detection of language delays.  

Bibliography
Adler, Richard. “Electroencephalography (EEG).” Magill’s Medical Guide. 2008. Salem Health.
Salem Press. Red Land High School Lib., Lewisberry, PA. 18 Feb. 2009 <http://health.salem.press.com>.
Fryburg, Estelle L. “The Test of Cognition with Scoring Guide, Literature Review, and
Description of Data Analyses in Progress.” 1972.  Manhattan College. 22 Feb. 2009 <http://eric.ed.gov/ERICWebPortal/custom/portlets/recordDetails/detailmini.jsp?_nfpb>.
Reed, Sunita. “Baby Talk & Brain Waves.” 26 Sept. 2008. ScienCentral. 17 Feb. 2009
 <http://www.sciencentral.com/video/2008/09/26/baby-talk-brain-waves/>.
Salkind, Neil J.  Child Development. New York: Macmillan Reference USA, 2002.
“Slow brain waves vital in complex activity.” UPI News Track 18 Sept. 2006 Power Library
Consumer Health Complete. EBSCO. Red Land High School Lib., Lewisberry, PA. 17 Feb. 2009 <http://webebscohost.com>.

posted 3/4/2009 1:54 PM | comment | view comments (0)

Amy K.- Loniness and Its Effect on the Brain

Loneliness and Its Effect on the Brain
    Imagine waking up every day with the fear that you will be alone for the rest of your life. Millions of people suffer from this condition, called loneliness, every day. Loneliness can cause a lack of mental processes or slow down brain functions entirely. This is where Professor John Cacioppo steps in. During fMRI scans of the brain the ventral striatum and temporoparietal junctions of the brain were proven to be less-active in people who tested to be lonely than those who did not, according to a University of Chicago study done by Professor John Cacioppo ("Loneliness").
    All people have a psychological need for friendship and companionship. When this need is not met, a person can suffer mentally and physically. The physical side effects of loneliness can be as apparent as drowsiness due to a lack of sleep or internal effects like high levels of stress and high blood pressure. More serious cases of chronic loneliness can even lead up to suicidal thoughts and attempts (Marano).While growing up, it seems that everyone has at least one close friend. The people who tend to stray from the group, keep to themselves, or do not engage in social situations at all are usually looked at as strange. After the research done at the University of Chicago, there now is a biological reason as to why people may act this way.
    The two areas or junctions of the brain that were studied, the ventral striatum and the temporoparietal junction, are where loneliness was most apparent in fMRI scans. The ventral striatum, part of the central nervous system, is located on the inside region of the cerebrum (Nicholls, Martin, Wallace, and Fuchs 470-471). It is the main area where the brain processes and anticipates rewards ("Loneliness"). For example, when a dog is given a treat for good behavior, it will continue this behavior because it knows that a reward will follow. The part of the dog's brain (if it were very similar to a human's) that is acting in this situation is the ventral striatum. Also, the other junction of the brain looked at in this study is the temporoparietal junction. In simpler terms, it's the area right between the temporal lobe and the parietal lobe of the brain. Its main focus is relating one's experiences and feeling to another's or looking at things from someone else's perspective ("Loneliness"). It's more like the "walk a mile in someone else's shoes" part of the brain.
    Both the ventral striatum and temporoparietal junctions were looked at closely during fMRI scans of the brain in Professor John Cacioppo's study ("Loneliness"). The fMRI, or functional magnetic resonance imaging, uses magnetic fields and radio frequencies to create an image of the specific area of the body being researched. It does not use radiation, but instead relies on a very large magnet in order for the physicians to diagnose diseases. A large amount of brain scans take place in fMRI and MRI's. The patient getting scanned feels no pain, has no needles probed into them, and simply has to lie still until the scan is finished. It's a very convenient way to examine the brain without actually sending the patient into surgery ("Functional").
    The study done by Professor John Cacioppo involved testing 23 female students to see if they were lonely or not. Afterwards, they were placed in an fMRI scanner and shown happy pictures such as money and people interacting socially and sad pictures like conflicts. At the end of the study, it was shown that lonely people had the least amount of activity in their ventral striata when they saw the happy pictures compared to people who were not lonely. Professor Jean Decety, also involved in the research, said "Although loneliness may influence brain activity, the research also suggests that activity in the ventral striatum may prompt feelings of loneliness... Loneliness may result from reduced reward-related activity in the ventral striatum in response of social rewards." The study showed a correlation between the activeness in the ventral striatum and temporoparietal junctions of the brain with the level of loneliness in a person ("Loneliness").
    Altogether, brain functions and operations are affected by many outside sources. After research done at the University of Chicago by Professor John Cacioppo, the factor of loneliness is also relevant in brain activity. When scanned using an fMRI machine, the ventral striata of lonely people was not as active when shown different pictures as those of un-lonely people. It can be concluded that the ventral striatum and temporoparietal junction in the brain is less-active in people who are lonely compared to people who are not ("Loneliness").

Works Cited


"Functional MR (fMRI) Imaging - Brain." RadiologyInfo. 20 Aug. 2008. Radiological Society of North America, Inc. 18 Feb. 2009 <www.radiologyinfo.org>.

"Loneliness Affects How The Brain Operates." ScienceDaily. 17 Feb. 2009. 18 Feb. 2009 <www.sciencedaily.com>.

Marano, Hara Estroff. "The Dangers Of Loneliness." Psychology Today. 12 Sept. 2007. 19 Feb. 2009 <www.psychologytoday.com>.

Nicholls, John G., A. Robert Martin, Bruce G. Wallace, and Paul A. Fuchs. From Neuron To Brain. Ed. Sinauer Associates. 4th ed. January 1, 2001.

posted 3/4/2009 1:51 PM | comment | view comments (0)

Amber K- Autism

Amber K
Psychology 1
Brain Project


    Autism effects everyone it touches within their early years of life and the rest to come. Many feel that once assigned to such a burden, that it is expected to accept its inevitable fate. Although a misunderstood and lifelong disease, there are many individuals out there determined to find the best way of understanding its effects on the brain  and treating it.  Such a study was conducted recently.  In 2006, Michael Murias of the University of Washington and Marcel Just of Carneige University  proved that there is a lack of coordination in an Autistic brain through EEG and DTI.
    To begin, Autism is a commonly misunderstood disease. The term “Autism” generally means “alone” , which came about from Dr. Leo Kanner in the 1940s when he witnessed the peculiar syndromes of  children. Many prescribe Autism to be a “ lifelong neurodevelopment disorder that is almost always diagnosed in early childhood” (Slaughter 1). The more severe cases, however, are prescribed in middle to latter childhood. The signs of an Autistic child are very apparent, yet misconstrued with other disorders. The most obvious sign is a lack of empathy or any emotion in their face or body. Many people diagnosed with Autism will see a person, analyze what they are saying, but have no reaction amongst their face; they may not even be able to respond to the person. The thought process in an Autistic brain is very potent, yet to have the ability to put those thoughts into actions or words is possibly the most difficult thing for the person with the disorder to do.  However so, since the language comprehension is perplex, their ability to evaluate problems and procedures with perception is phenomenal due to the fact that that is what they resort to ( Rodriguez). The brain of the Autistic is that of sheer puzzlement, working (and NOT working)  in ways far beyond that of a normal brain. Mystified by such a confusing brain system, it has brought about doctors from far and wide to solely figure it out.
    Two such doctors, Michael Murias of the University of Washington and Marcel Just of Carnegie Mellon University, came about with a peculiar study involving the lack of coordination in an Autistic brain. Just, who has dealt with neurological study for copious years, says, “ Some people think that Autism is a disruption of social function, but I think its more widespread. Its like the internet. Its not once place. Its not Los Angeles. It’s not Zurich.  It’s a network…Important skills require more than one part of the brain to work together”(Hamilton 1). In order to test this theory, Murias conducted a study comparing eighteen normal adults to eighteen Autistic adults.  During the study, he used EEG, attaching electrodes to each of their heads to measure alpha waves to test communication in both the normal brains and the brains construed with Autism. The results came out as expected... the normal brains displayed typical communication while the Autistic brains showed little to no communication. " The degree of communication within the brain was diminished, particularly within the frontal lobes and particularly between the frontal lobes and the rest of the brain " (Murias).  The communication between the frontal lobes and the rest of the brain is vital, since the "executive functions" (the social and intentional behavior)lie within them
    In order to figure out the reason why such little communication occurs in their brain, one must look deeper into it. Marcel Just of Carnegie Mellon University has studied the brain for years. He explains that the disruption of the communication lies within the brains' connecting cables, which are found in "white matter". White matter is the tissue in the brain that is composed of axons of nerve cells that transmit the information from the nerve cells to other areas of the brain. Concerning Autism, the problem is the lack of quality and quantity of white matter in the brain, as well as its confusing organization (Hamilton 1). Just figured this out by using DTI, or diffusion-tensor imaging. DTI is a variation of an MRI that allows doctors to study and visualize connections in the brain, mainly mapping changes in white matter. This allowed Just to better assess the problem lying in the brain affected by Autism. Even though this may seem like a horrible outcome for a brain's development, it allows for the brains' parts to "adapt to becoming stronger and more independent" (Just, Hamilton 1).  The growth of independence in the brain from this separation of white matter allows for a better understanding of why Autistic people have extraordinary math skills, but don't know how to apply them. All in all, Just believes that this study/research could create drugs that could lead to improving the quality of white matter or therapies designed to develop a more coordinated brain "by teaching it to work together in a more coordinated way"(Just, Hamilton 1).
    Through the use of Michael Murias's EEG study, and Marcel Just's DTI research, it was found that the Autistic brain has difficulty coordinating. From the results of construed white matter and independent brain cables, researchers may now be able to figure out clues on how to treat Autism. Even though the reasons for Autism may be still unexplainable, new drugs and advanced neurological therapies can help aid a Autistic brain to a peaceful reboot.
    





Bibliography

Blakeslee, Sandra. “ Clues to Autism’s Mysteries.” International Herald Tribune 10 Feb 2005: 2+.  ProQuest.     ProQuest. Red Land High School Lib., Lewisberry, PA. 17     Feb 2009 < http://proquest.umi.com >

Hamilton, Jon. “ Autistic Brain Has Difficulty Coordinating”. 16 Oct 2006. Health and     Science. 17 Feb 2009      <http://www.npr.org/templates/story.php?storyId=6284914>

Rodriguez, Jaclyn., ed. Psychology and Mental Health Vol. I. Hackensack, NJ : Salem     Press, Inc., 2001.

Slaughter, Virginia. “Autism”. 2008. Salem Health Inc. 17 Feb 2009     <http://health.salempress.com>

posted 3/4/2009 1:46 PM | comment | view comments (0)